Richard Madeley shut down Reform UK MP Lee Anderson during a tense Good Morning Britain interview that viewers branded a "car crash" and "hard to watch."
Clash over Channel migrant plans
During Wednesday's programme, hosted by Madeley and Charlotte Hawkins, Anderson attempted to defend Reform UK's plans for migrants crossing the Channel. The French government had released a statement rejecting the party's proposals, and the presenters sought to challenge Anderson's claims.
The interview followed a similar clash days earlier with Zia Yusuf, who outlined plans to deploy the navy to escort small boats back to France. That interview was also labelled a "car crash," with Kate Garraway telling Yusuf: "You are not listening to me!"
Madeley's retort
As Anderson defended his party's plans, he clashed with the presenters, with all speaking over one another. At one point, the politician suggested Madeley wasn't being a "responsible TV presenter" due to his questioning.
"It's great to take a couple of punches from you, but you didn't answer the question," Madeley replied, shutting down the MP. The exchange continued as Anderson talked over the hosts, insisting he was addressing the questions. He then locked horns with Hawkins as she restated the French response, before snapping: "I think we're not going to agree on this, guys."
Viewer reaction
Viewers condemned the interview, with one commenting: "Never mind this, what an absolute car crash of an interview this morning with Lee Anderson on GMB." Another posted: "Lee Anderson is having an absolute nightmare on @GMB," while someone else called it "a painful watch." A fourth agreed: "Absolute car crash interview with Lee Anderson on @GMB."
However, some defended Anderson, with one writing: "Richard Madely, you need to listen. Lee Anderson answered the question, stop talking over people."
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV1 and ITVX.
