ITV: GMB criticised for Ed Balls interview with Yvette Cooper
ITV received backlash when Ed Balls, host of Good Morning Britain, interviewed his spouse, Yvette Cooper, who is the Home Secretary, during Monday's show.
The ex-Labour MP and his partner Kate Garraway spoke with Cooper after the recent outbreak of violent protests in England.
Law enforcement officers have been targeted in recent days, with incidents of vandalism and arson directed towards shops and vehicles.
After being accused of having a conflict of interest in the interview, an ITV spokesperson reassured the BBC that they believe their interviews are fair and unbiased.
"After a weekend of violent protests and widespread chaos, GMB showcased various interviews and conversations about this nationwide crisis on today's show," the broadcaster informed BBC News.
This group of people consisted of James Cleverly, who holds the position of Shadow Home Secretary, and Yvette Cooper, who serves as Home Secretary.
We are pleased that these interviews were even-handed, just, and completely unbiased.
The show received negative feedback on online platforms following its broadcast, with certain audience members indicating that it brought up concerns about favoritism and potential conflicts of interest.
Deadline's Jake Kanter shared on X, outside source: "'The home secretary will be joining us soon, who Ed is married to.' These were the words spoken earlier today on a TV channel that is required to remain neutral."
"It is incredibly baffling that this was permitted to occur."
Other spectators labeled the interaction of the interview as "ridiculous" and "impossible" to sustain.
In the past week, law enforcement officers have encountered aggression in Rotherham, Middlesbrough, Bristol, Bolton, and various other locations across the UK.
Stores and hotels have been burglarized, and cars and garbage bins have been lit on fire. Additionally, law enforcement officers have been assaulted.
The discussion on Monday's show happened before the emergency Cobra meeting by the government. Following that, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer revealed plans to create a dedicated group of police officers to address violent demonstrations.
The chaos comes after a violent stabbing incident in Southport last week that resulted in the tragic deaths of three children who were attending a dance class.
Balls and Cooper tied the knot in 1998 and now have a family of three kids.
Before the show started, Balls informed Garraway that he had not encountered Cooper at all in the past week, following the aftermath of the riots.
"When such situations occur, and if you are in a position of high political authority like the prime minister or the home secretary, the job becomes non-stop and challenging," he remarked.
When Garraway responded with, "So you have questions that you really need answers to?" He replied, "Definitely."
Following Garraway's introduction, Balls inquired: "Can I inquire, as we have discussed this topic multiple times in recent days, as many of our viewers have likely done at home since the tragic events in Southport, there have been specific individuals on social media encouraging not only riots but also violence.
They have been using racist words and spreading lies about the incident in Southport.
This is a serious issue occurring on social media platforms. What actions should social media companies, the police, and the government take to prevent this from continuing, as it has been ongoing for a week?
Balls also inquired Cooper about any difference in the way police have been handling the Gaza demonstrations, in comparison to their more assertive approach over the past week. Have they been more lenient and careful in their policing tactics?
Cooper responded that it is important for police officers to work without bias or preference, no matter the type of crimes they encounter.
Many people watching the show didn't like the discussion that happened before between Balls, Garraway, and Labour MP Zarah Sultana.
In the article, Sultana argued that labeling rioting behavior as Islamophobic and racist is important.
In the blog, Nadine White, who covers race issues for The Independent, mentioned that external Balls looked down on her and criticized the other panel members, who she referred to as "white commentators who have never experienced racism themselves."
BBC News reached out to a representative from Balls for their input.
During the chaos over the weekend, hateful remarks against Islam were spoken and attacks were made on mosques and hotels where asylum seekers stay.
Balls served as a Member of Parliament for Labour from 2005 to 2015, including a role as shadow chancellor. Following his appearance on Strictly Come Dancing in 2016, he transitioned into a television personality.
He is among the different hosts who have taken turns presenting ITV's morning show in the past few years. Other hosts include Richard Madeley, Adil Ray, and Robert Rinder, after Piers Morgan left the show.
Balls made his debut as a guest host on Good Morning Britain in 2021, and became a regular part of the rotating presenter team the next year.
