Good Morning Britain viewers were confused as Kate Garraway apologised to a Tory MP on today's show.
The broadcaster fronted Friday's edition of the ITV news programme alongside Ben Shephard. The two covered the major topics of the day as the National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) warned parts of the country may be hit by the first planned blackouts in decades this winter.
The ESO has urged people to "save money and back Britain" by using more energy during off-peak times. Kate and Ben grilled climate minister Graham Stuart on the government's response in the wake of the warning.
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Kate accused the Prime Minister of changing her position on blackouts. She said: "During the hustings [she] absolutely, unequivocally ruled out any need for blackouts, yesterday, didn't rule it out.
"So do you know what is likely? Because people are very worried." Mr Stuart shot back and said the planned blackouts were "unlikely".
He said: "The important thing is to look at the National Grid advice which they produced yesterday. They do this for every single winter. And what they've said is that we have a strong and diverse energy supply, that we are, relative to our neighbours, in a pretty good position, but that the risks are higher this year in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine than they have been in previous years.
"And therefore, we as a responsible government and working with National Grid and Ofgem and others, look at all possible scenarios." Kate took aim at Mr Stuart and branded his response as "disingenuous".
She added: "But the National Grid does definitely say every winter advice on energy saving, but they don't specifically warn do they, that we might have three-hour blackouts in the way they have this time. But you're right, it is very unlikely"
Mr Stuart asked Kate to withdraw her "disingenuous" comment after she claimed it was the first time she had seen the National Grid statistics. He said: "They do it every winter and they've said the risks are higher than previous years, but it is still highly unlikely.
"Nothing about that is disingenuous and I think it's very important, especially when we're dealing with something of this seriousness that unless I do make a factual error that you don't accuse me of something I haven't done."
Kate responded: "Absolutely and I do apologise. I only meant it on that specific point". However, viewers following the show on Twitter were confused as to why the broadcaster chose to issue the apology.
Holly said: "Graham ‘disingenuous’ Stuart. Hate to break it to you Graham, tories telling the truth is not a position this country is used to."
Another user added: "Whatever this politician says the exact opposite will happen."
Emily commented: "What was disingenuous?"
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