Susanna Reid clashed with Robert Jenrick on Good Morning Britain after the Reform MP accused her of absolving the government of responsibility for the early prisoner release scheme.
The 55-year-old presenter was hosting the ITV programme alongside Ed Balls on Wednesday, July 22, when she interviewed the former Conservative MP. The discussion centred around cabinet ministers Wes Streeting and Shabana Mahmood, who were heard in a video published by Guido Fawkes discussing the government's early release plans. Both have since apologised, calling the scheme a “serious issue”.
Jenrick’s accusation
Jenrick began by calling the situation “an absolute disgrace”, blaming both the previous Conservative government and the current Labour one. Susanna then asked if he felt a “sense of shame” given his role as a Home Office minister when such policies were discussed.
Jenrick responded by claiming Susanna was “absolving this government of responsibility as you seem to be doing”. Susanna quickly hit back: “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?”
Reid defends her position
Jenrick argued that “most of this conversation has been about the past rather than the present”. Susanna 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.” She added: “What I'm asking you is the responsibility of the previous government, which has got us here and which you were a part [of]. Don't make a false accusation against me.”
At the end of the interview, Ed Balls thanked Jenrick, who muttered: “Well, that was a waste of time.” Balls disagreed, saying: “I think it wasn't a waste of time.”
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX at 6am.
