Good Morning Britain fans were unimpressed with Richard Madeley's interviewing as they accused him of "humiliating" a union representative speaking on the ITV show today.
Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the National Education Union, exchanged initially acrimonious interview with the TV presenter amid the teachers’ strike action today.
Dubbed ‘Walkout Wednesday’, thousands of schools are expected to be closed today as teachers in England and Wales voted for industrial action over pay.
TV presenter Richard was keen for Courtney to answer his line of questioning on teachers informing their superiors about their decision to strike, but viewers of the programme said he resorted to ‘patronising’ methods to do so.
After he did not receive a direct answer to his initial question, Richard interrupted to ask his question by slowing down his speech and pausing between each word.
He asked Kevin: “Did. You. Tell. Your. Members. Not. To. Inform. Head. Teachers. If. They. Were. Going. On. Strike. Today.”
Richard then returned to his usual voice and said: “Yes, or no, Sir.”
Kevin replied: “We told them that they had the right to do that because we have obeyed every part of the very strong anti-union laws in this country and people who are going on strike to not have to inform the employer beforehand. We told teachers about that right.”
Richard added: “Isn't it fair to let parents know if their school is going to be affected?”
Kevin responded: “We told headteachers how many members were in their school and we think they should have planned on that basis.”
GMB viewers flooded Twitter after the exchange to complain that Richard’s comments were ‘patronising’ to the union rep.
One tweeted: “Richard Madeley talking to this guy like he’s talking to a three year old made my blood boil.”
A second penned: “Is anyone else feeling like ITV GMB victim blame? Why do they not hold the government to account for the strikes? It's painful to watch.”
A third added: “Richard you are out of tune with the majority of parents! We support teachers who are supporting us! Disgraceful behaviour this morning”
“GMB never heard Richard Madley talk to ANYONE, the way that he just did to that Teachers Union Rep,” another added. “Rude, biassed, patronising, and plain unpleasant. I've switched off and will not watch anytime he is presenting in the future. Urghhhh!”
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV.
