Sky News presenter Sophy Ridge made an embarrassing mistake during Tuesday's live broadcast, accidentally calling Labour politician John McDonnell 'Lord' before being corrected on air.
On Tuesday (October 6), the 41-year-old broadcaster was back on screen for her weekday breakfast programme, tackling the day's major headlines. During the show, she invited Mr McDonnell on to discuss the Conservatives' proposals for a £10 billion national missile and drone defence system dubbed Britannia Shield. The system takes inspiration from Israel's Iron Dome, with the integrated network designed to safeguard the UK, its sovereign territories and overseas bases.
Presenter's slip corrected live
In a bid to give viewers greater insight into the story, the presenter brought the former Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer onto the programme, but proceedings took an awkward turn from the outset. She started: "Let's get a bit more of the main stories of the day. We can talk now to Lord John McDonnell, the former Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer. It's great to have you on the channel with us today. Mr McDonnell. First of all, I want to talk to Fence, if I may. The Conservatives want to spend £10 billion on an Iron Dome defence system. Do you think that would be a good use of money?"
Before tackling her question, the guest immediately highlighted the broadcaster's blunder on the programme. He started: "I hope you didn't call me Lord John McDonnel then..." At this juncture, Ms Ridge couldn't help but laugh as she covered her face with her hands, admitting: "I did, I'm sorry, I actually did. I tried to correct my mistake, I've knighted you by mistake."
McDonnell's swift response
Luckily, Mr McDonnell took the awkward gaffe in his stride, before she queried: "Would you accept it if you were offered it, by the way?" His response was immediate: "Of course not, I want to abolish the House of Lords!" After a brief chuckle at her faux pas, they quickly moved on to discuss the latest happenings in UK politics.
Viewers were quick to take to social media to share their reactions to the awkward mishap, with some noting that many former Labour MPs wouldn't have had the nerve to correct her live on air. One user wrote: "Not many Labour MPs who would say that now... true Labour [red rose emoji]", while another concurred: "So few of them would say that in Labour now. The majority are queuing up to get in."
A third empathised: "A mistake on her part, but an understandable one. Most well-known Labour politicians end up as Lords and Ladies in the House of Lords." A fourth praised: "Well said, John McDonnell", as another chimed in: "He doesn't need a peerage. He's already the Don."
Context of the defence plan
This follows Kemi Badenoch's promise to establish an air defence system protecting against missile and drone strikes if she becomes the next UK Prime Minister. The proposed 'Britannia Shield', based on Israel's virtually impenetrable system, would represent one of Britain's most substantial military initiatives since the Cold War era.
The Daily Express understands the shield would protect the British Isles and UK overseas territories, including the Falklands. The announcement arrives as conflict continues to devastate Europe and Vladimir Putin's sabre-rattling against NATO escalates.
The Conservative leader stated funding would come from reducing welfare payments and eliminating unnecessary government expenditure. It also creates a significant policy divide with Labour, highlighting Andy Burnham's perceived "weakness" on defence matters.
