Martin Lewis and Susanna Reid grilled Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch live on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday, June 17, months after their previous on-air clash. The interview covered defence spending, welfare, and the upcoming social media ban.
Previous Clash Recalled
Viewers remembered Martin's February confrontation with Badenoch during an interview with Susanna and Ed Balls. Martin shouted from off-set before walking on to criticise the student loans system, later apologising for 'gate-crashing' the interview.
Welfare and Defence Debate
Badenoch defended the welfare budget, noting the triple lock protects pensioners. She stated, 'We spend £200 billion on benefits by 2031, yet we don't know defence spending after the Defence Secretary resigned.'
Martin challenged her on the two-child limit in Universal Credit, which affects both in-work and out-of-work claimants. He asked if the policy would be split, noting 40% of Universal Credit goes to people in work.
Badenoch argued for tackling 'low-level conditions' keeping people out of work, suggesting work would benefit them. Martin interjected, highlighting delays in mental health appointments: 'The delay is hideous. Would you fund improvements to help people get back to work?'
Exchange on 'Sickfluencers'
Badenoch referenced 'sickfluencers' advising people to claim anxiety to get benefits. She said, 'We have a real problem. With defence threats, tough decisions are needed.'
Martin countered: 'Not everyone off work with anxiety is due to sickfluencers. Many have real mental health problems and can't get help. We should join up the system to provide mental health support and get them into work.'
Badenoch replied: 'Martin, we're in an emergency. This isn't five years ago. Something serious is happening.'
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX at 6am.
