Good Morning Britain viewers were left cringing after an on-air row between presenter Ben Shephard and a guest MP while discussing COVID-19.
James Cleverly MP was on the show discussing the Indian variant of the disease, as Ben and co-host Susanna Reid demanded answers.
Ben was asking for “tangible” answers as to the future of the pandemic, which Cleverly insisted he couldn’t give.
“I am not going to speculate […] we have always said that we’ll be driven by the data,” he explained.
But Ben interrupted: “You’ve said that so many times now Mr Cleverly, I’m sorry to be rude, but you’re not actually answering any question.”
The MP insisted: “Well I am answering the question.”
(Image: ITV)
“By deflecting, by just saying ‘we’re looking at the data, I’m not going to speculate’,” Ben pointed out.
“Well, you keep asking me to speculate!” the MP argued. “I keep telling you I’m not going to, so that’s why you’re getting the same answer. You keep asking me to speculate.”
Ben insisted: “Well, what we’re trying to get from you Mr Cleverly, when we have you and your colleagues on the show it’s to try and get some guidance and insight for people […] around the country who are genuinely concerned about what this means for their lives and livelihoods.
(Image: ITV)
“And unfortunately, we don’t get anything. You are, as you’ve just pointed out, just giving the same answer over and over again.”
The MP shot back: “Well, you keep asking me the same question over and over again.”
“But we’re trying to get something tangible, something that can give us some guidance!” Ben argued.
“But if I’ve told you I’m not going to speculate, why do you keep asking me to speculate?
(Image: ITV)
“You and your viewers will just have to wait,” he added.
But those viewers, meanwhile, had flocked to social media as they cringed at the segment, with one writing: “@GMB how can anyone say definitely what’s going to happen re COVID-19 lockdown get a grip.”
“Ben Shephard what part of ‘we will follow the science’ don’t you understand?” another asked.
While a third ranted: “Ben, stop asking him the same question – he’s not going to predict the future. They can only go on the science and not speculate on what may/may not happen. If he did you’ll just slag them off if it goes wrong. Move on.”
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Others praised Ben for his direct interviewing style, with one penning: “That’s it Ben – you call them out with immediacy!
“@BenShephard calling @JamesCleverly out for not answering questions, Ben’s face says it all,” another penned.
“What is the point of ‘can’t speculate’?!” another furious viewer wondered.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
