Climate activist Gregory Andrews doubles down on move to walk out mid-interview with Andrew Bolt after heated on-air clash

A climate activist and former diplomat has stood by his move to abruptly walk out of a heated on-air clash with Sky News Australia host Andrew Bolt. 

Australia’s former high commissioner to Ghana Gregory Andrews has been hunger striking outside Parliament House in a push for the Albanese government to end fossil fuel subsidies. 

Mr Andrews appeared on the Bolt Report on Wednesday night to discuss his strike which he had the full support of his family, despite the possibility he could ultimately die from hunger. 

But, the interview soon became a tense back and forth after the activist accused the Sky News host of “bullying” him. 

“You’ve got only two weeks left to live with this stupid idea that your daughter hasn’t got a future,” Bolt declared on his program on Wednesday.

“You’re betraying her, and you’ll be betraying her double if you keep going with this. But we shall see. If you do, I’ll come back in two weeks to see.”

Mr Andrews fired back, telling Bolt “I just really wish you had better manners because you’re rude” before he ripped out his earpiece and stormed out of the studio.

Taking to social media on Thursday morning, Mr Andrews doubled down on his abrupt exit from the program. 

“I’ve represented Australia in jobs with fancy titles but my most important job title is Dad,” he shared on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

“When Andrew Bolt went after my daughter, who wants a safe climate future, I felt deeply disrespected. I don’t tolerate abuse. So said goodbye and walked off set. #ClimateHungerStrike.”

The former diplomat also shared an update on his hunger strike, which has now entered its eighth day outside Parliament House.

“Mark joined me today & brought his home-made sign. My #ClimateHungerStrike is for all our kids!” he wrote.

“Pls come & join in any time. For as long or as little as you’d like. The more the merrier. Let’s show @AlboMP Aussies want a safe future. Sign my petition.”

He accompanied the written post with a photo of him sitting on a fold-out chair on grass, next to a blackboard which reads “Day 8 climate hunger strike”. 

There is another man standing next to Mr Andrews holding a white and red sign that states “For our kids”. 

Mr Andrews also acknowledged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit to the Cook Islands for the Pacific Islands Forum.

The talks have focused on stronger climate change action, as well as Australia’s reliance on fossil fuel.

“PM @AlboMP is talking security in the Pacific while expanding fossil fuels. That’s like talking prevention at a lung cancer convention while expanding tobacco,” Mr Andrews said in a separate post on X on Thursday. 

“Australia’s the world’s 3rd largest fossil fuel exporter. Pacific security means ending fossil fuel subsidies & exports.”

During his interview on The Bolt Report, Mr Andrews argued the federal government is currently “spending more” on fossil fuel subsidies than on the Australian Army.

“The Australian Government provides $11 billion a year in fossil fuel subsidies to big companies that could fund 140,000 teachers or nurses positions or build 22 world class hospitals,” he said. 

“They spend more on fossil fuel subsidies than they do on the Army. But climate change is a huge risk to our national security, and they’re basically ruining our national security, risking climate change.”

Bolt shot back at the remarks, arguing the government “spends ten times more on the poor”.