Good Morning Britain viewers were unimpressed during Wednesday’s episode of the ITV morning programme.
Hosts Susanna Reid and Ed Balls invited Reform UK leader Nigel Farage to debate a possible pact with the soon-to-be-elected Conservative leader.
Although tensions rose over a discussion of the July riots, which were sparked by the Southport tragedy.
Susanna confronted Nigel as she said: “You have been criticised by a number of people, including conservative party leadership candidate Tom Tugendhat for being irresponsible and dangerous.
“He accuses you of amplifying false information when you suggested, in a video by the way, that police withheld the truth about the person alleged to be behind this tragedy.”
She made it clear that ongoing legal proceedings must not be jeopardised by public commentary, reports the Express.
He tried to dismiss the caution, commenting: “We always hide behind that don’t we?”
While there was a notable pause, Susanna stated firmly: “That’s the rule of law in this country, that we don’t compromise someone’s fair trial and allow the families of those who have suffered to hear the truth.”
Nigel added: “And we hide behind this again and again and again.”
His words took Susanna by surprise, probing why he saw her adherence to the law as hiding.
As he began justifying his statements, a disbelieving Susanna shook her head, taken aback by his assertion.
She exclaimed: “I’m absolutely shaking my head, you repeated misinformation that the suspect was under surveillance, you asked whether the truth is being withheld from us?”
He retorted: “Well of course it’s being withheld!”
As they continued to butt heads, viewers didn’t hesitate to express their opinions on Twitter, with many expressing disappointment.
One individual tweeted: “Farage has no answer to careful, persistent questioning. Car crash.” (sic)
Another chimed in with: “Why is Nigel Farage on GMB again?”
A third posted: “Nigel Farage – completely out of his depth.”
Meanwhile, a different viewer remarked: “Embarrassed himself during that interview.”
Another upset fan wrote: “GMB is unbearable this morning Farage spouting his nonsense,” as someone else simply commented: “Turning off.”
Yet, some viewers were more critical of the presenters’ manner towards Nigel, as one person pointed out: “Susanna is being so rude! I’m going to switch over her and Ed are so rude not good interviewers.”
Good Morning Britain continues weekdays on ITV rom 6am.