ITV’s GMB Explodes into Fiery Grooming Scandal Debate as Ed Balls Told to ‘Hang On’
Good Morning Britain descended into chaos this morning as hosts Ed Balls and Susanna Reid clashed with regular guests Andrew Pierce and Kevin Maguire over the grooming scandal debate. The heated discussion erupted after Keir Starmer opposed holding a full national inquiry into the scandal, which set off a furious exchange between the panelists.
Susanna, explaining the context of the discussion, referenced a previous conversation with Maggie Oliver, a whistleblower who helped expose the scandal. She quoted Maggie, saying: “She said ‘I am no far-right activist. I am a woman who gave 16 years of my life to the police and protecting children was the number one priority in my life.
All the victims that I know and that we support have had their lives destroyed. To write them off as far-right extremists is insulting.'” This statement sparked an immediate uproar on the panel. Ed Balls quickly interjected, saying: “Keir Starmer did not write them off,” but Kevin Maguire immediately began talking over him, told Daily Express.
The situation became more chaotic as Andrew Pierce added his opinion, claiming that the Prime Minister’s recent remarks “are going to feed the idea that the cover-up is continuing.” Ed, frustrated, shot back: “In what way is the cover-up continuing?”
The debate escalated as Ed continued to ask Andrew similar questions, leading to an irate response: “Hang on! Look, can I answer the question?” Despite Andrew’s attempts to speak, Ed repeatedly interrupted and tried to push his own agenda. “So you’re saying unless you are in favor of a new public inquiry, you are complicit in the cover-up?” Ed asked, to which Andrew snapped: “No I didn’t say that.”
The shouting match continued until Susanna stepped in, trying to calm the situation. “We’re stuck here,” she said, acknowledging the tension. She then empathized with the victims, saying, “If I were one of the victims, I would be asking who is taking them seriously.”
The heated exchange on Good Morning Britain was met with backlash on social media, where Ed Balls was criticized for being biased. One user on X/Twitter wrote: “Ed Balls cannot be allowed to continue presenting GMB. His behavior this morning is beyond belief.
He is Labour through to his bones and is literally sleeping with the Home Secretary. Surely this can’t be right and must be stopped immediately.” Other viewers echoed similar sentiments, with one commenting, “How can it be a fair debate with @edballs?” and another adding, “GMB seems to be another Labour mouthpiece. It’s hardly surprising with Balls as the presenter.”