Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna Reid defended herself during a heated clash with Reform MP Robert Jenrick, prompting complaints from viewers.
On Wednesday (July 22), the former Conservative minister claimed that Reid was absolving the current Labour government of responsibility over the early prisoner release scheme. During the interview, Jenrick said: "I wouldn't absolve this government of responsibility as you seem to be doing."
Exchange over responsibility
Reid had asked Jenrick about the former Tory government's role in the scheme. She said: "Of course, you must accept some responsibility, don't you, as a former government minister? I mean, when you criticise the former Conservative government, that was a government of which you were a minister in the Home Office [who were] responsible for policing. Do you feel a sense of shame?"
Jenrick responded: "I wouldn't absolve this government of responsibility as you seem to be doing." Reid quickly countered: "Since when did I absolve... Sorry, Mr Jenrick, when did I absolve this government of [responsibility]? No, but don't make a criticism of me that is untrue. When have I absolved this government of responsibility?"
Jenrick's response
Jenrick said: "Because most of this conversation has been about the past rather than the present." Reid explained: "Because you are part of the past government, that's why. I interview people all the time about this early release scheme, and I would say that our viewers are extremely critical of this scheme. What I'm asking you is the responsibility of the previous government, which has got us here and which you were a part [of]." She added: "Don't make a false accusation against me."
As the interview ended, Ed Balls thanked Jenrick, who was heard saying: "Well, that was a waste of time." Balls disagreed: "I think it wasn't a waste of time... It was good he came on the programme."
Viewer reactions
GMB viewers shared their frustration on X (formerly Twitter). One wrote: "Sometimes GMB you have to put your hands up and admit you made a mess of that." Another said: "Why did he think it was a waste of time?" while a third commented: "@GMB this was not an interview, it was a personal attack." Someone else said: "Well that was a disgrace." However, another viewer praised the hosts: "Oh dear. Some good questioning by Ed and Susanna."
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on STV and STV Player at 6am.
