Good Morning Britain was inundated with complaints over Susanna Reid's handling of her interview with Andy Burnham. The prime minister appeared on the programme for a live TV interview on Monday (October 26), discussing a wide range of issues from immigration, the cost of living, and whether he hopes the UK will rejoin the European Union.
Reid presses Burnham on election and EU
Kickstarting the interview, Reid asked: "Are you softening us all up for an early general election?" Burnham responded: "No, I've ruled that out." Before he could elaborate on his answer, the presenter interjected: "Have you absolutely ruled that out?"
Burnham replied: "I have. I did that before the Labour conference because I just don't think people want another backward-looking squabble." Later in the interview, the discussion turned towards whether Burnham would seek to take the UK back into the EU.
Viewers react to interview style
"65% of your own constituents of Lakefield voted to leave the EU. You promised them when you stood as their MP that you would not reopen this whole argument. Have you let them down or are you telling them that they made the wrong choice?" Reid pressed him. When Burnham explained that he would not rerun the referendum and insisted the British public will decide what happens, the ITV host stepped in: "They've already decided. 52% of the country voted to leave."
ITV viewers expressed frustration over what they described as Reid's constant interruptions, while others accused her of trying and failing to secure a "gotcha" moment. "Stop interrupting him Susanna! It's so rude!" one fumed as another commented: "Blood Nora... @susannareid100 drags herself in during half term to try do a 'Gotcha interview' with @andyburnham."
Another echoed: "Susanna desperately looking for her gotcha moment..but failing." A fourth claimed: "Susanna desperate for a Gotcha." Others completely disagreed with this view, and applauded the presenter for her approach to the interview.
"How brill was susanna during that interview?! Her references to immigration and energy bills were highly pertinent and nuanced and unlike lesser interviewers she didn't become shouty or confrontational," one said.
