GMB fans slam 'absolute joke' as Susanna Reid asks 'how'

Good Morning Britain viewers were quick to react after a heated interview during Tuesday's programme.

Hosts Susanna Reid and Ed Balls welcomed Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride to the studio via video link to discuss new welfare reforms. It comes after the Prime Minister announced plans to end "sicknote culture" last month.

The Tories want disabled people and those with long-term health conditions to go back to work. But Susanna asked Mr Stride how a work coach would help someone who needed a hip replacement, and faced an 18-month wait for one.

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Mr Stride said while he could not comment on individual cases, adaptations such as not having to climb stairs can be made to assist people. Susanna interjected with: "She is in crippling pain.

"The point I'm getting to, Mr Stride, is that there are record waiting lists that need to be tackled. People cannot get access to mental health support without long waiting lists, and they cannot get access to physical medical help on the NHS currently."

While the minister said that the Government has made some progress in tackling the waiting lists, fans were not happy as a clip was shared on GMB's official X account. Thomas said: "I'm carer to my disabled wife.

"But for a neighbour and friend, we would be homeless. To this day, these fantastic people help us every month with shopping & bills, without which we would not survive. That's the reality of inadequate welfare benefits in the UK".

Rory said: "Absolute joke" and Jean said: "Makes my blood boil. Don't give a damn about sick people, or people full stop".

Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV and ITVX

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