Good Morning Britain viewers accused Kate Garraway of making patronising remarks about the age of Aviation Minister Keir Mather during Friday's episode. The 28-year-old MP appeared on the ITV programme to discuss proposed plans to stop airlines from charging parents who want to sit next to their children.
Before the interview began, Garraway commented on Mather's youthful appearance, saying: "We're joined here now by Aviation Minister, Keir Mather, first time on Good Morning Britain, you're there in Manchester airport this morning. When we saw you pop up, I have to say, we thought, 'My goodness, ministers are getting younger every day'. You're going to please a lot of people if you are the new prefect, because there'll be a lot of people cheering about this."
Presenter's remarks spark viewer criticism
The MP did not address the comment and went straight into the topic he was there to discuss. However, as the interview wrapped up, Garraway mentioned his age again, saying: "I understand you are indeed the youngest Minister since Gladstone in 1834, so it's not just my old eyes that see you as young, good to speak to you this morning."
Afterwards, Garraway and co-host Ranvir Singh asked panellists Salma Shah and Caroline Flint if they also felt old listening to the MP. Shah replied: "I mean, I've never felt so old." Flint added: "He answered your questions, he did say yes, no, and what have you, we've seen people much older, not doing that."
Viewers react on social media
Many viewers quickly took to social media to criticise Garraway's remarks. One person on X wrote: "How outrageously patronising! Ooh, aren't you young!" Another said: "How patronising to remark on his age and call him a prefect! @GMB #gmb."
A third viewer commented: "@GMB Not cool to patronise the MP just because he's young." One person expressed disappointment, writing: "Just watched @Mather_Keir on @GMB this morning, a great interview, I'm just really disappointed in the hosts and panel guests, that the conversation following was about his age and 'how well he answered the questions for his age' rather than discussing the issue in hand, bit shocking really."
However, one viewer praised the MP, commenting: "Excellent interview on @GMB from @Mather_Keir from @manairport this morning. Nice to see young govt ministers on TV." Good Morning Britain airs on ITV weekdays from 6am.
