TV judge Robert Rinder said that he didn't care if he got into trouble when interrupting a high-profile politician during a fiery exchange on ITV's Good Morning Britain. The TV star and barrister has been presenting the show alongside Charlotte Hawkins this week, after having also presented it earlier in the year with host and friend Susanna Reid.
Labour MP and Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper was one of the guests on the programme during its edition on Wednesday, August 17. When the topic of conversation turned to the sacking of Labour's shadow transport minister Sam Tarry for appearing on a picket line, things became heated, the Manchester Evening News reports.
Rob first said: "Your leader said it was inappropriate for you to join your strikes, despite that people ignored him. Can you understand why people have had simply enough of the Labour party that doesn’t stand by them and therefore want to reduce the amount it’s going to give you?"
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Cooper replied: "Working people have seen their wages drop over many years. The real squeeze is happening now. What we want to see is stronger growth, lower inflation and better pay and conditions for working people. It’s why we’ve put forward proposals for fair pay agreements."
But Rob interrupted the MP from the GMB studio as he said: "Yvette Cooper, one of the things I admire about you..." The MP then cut in herself to say: "You’ve interrupted me again, Rob." But the presenter continued on as he declared: "I’m sorry, I’m going to get into trouble for interrupting you. Normally, I would care, but I don't on this one."
He then went on: "You’re normally known for giving straightforward answers. They’ve reduced the amount they’re giving you. This is the union that built the Labour party. You’re not standing shoulder to shoulder with you anymore. They’re striking. They’re ordinary people whose wages are going down. Do you support strikes, yes or no? You can’t be that worried about your job."
Cooper was then eventually able to reply: "We support people’s work to strike of course. It’s very important. It’s how working people for decades have been able to argue for better pay. But we also want to see a proper government plan."
And during other interviews on the programme, Rob apologised for his interruptions and said it wasn't out of being 'rude' but just that they only had a certain amount of time to talk to each person. But it appears his actions were grating on GMB viewers. @hooray_k tweeted: "#GMB #GoodMorningBritain Not a good morning for show. Both #RobertRinder & #AndrewPierce are interrupting ppl & being very irritating." @Titian73 asked: "Good grief, do they always interrupt this much on #GMB?"
But others couldn't disagree more. @Wig82 said: "Rob Rinder is refreshingly challenging on #GMB puts MP's on their toes." @Speedqueenie tweeted: "Rob Rinder has been epic this week #GMB." @djvioletsky shared: "Charlotte Hawkins and Rob Rinder both spot on this morning. Its refreshing to listen to constructive discussion instead of shouty presenters #GMB."
@missrubble penned: "Love watching Rob & Charlotte. Both very calm, polite and respectful. Let’s hope those who find is necessary to scream at guests each morning are replaced. #GMB." @Cherrieschapel added: "Rob Rinder is the best presenter they’ve had on #gmb @GMB."
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