Richard Madeley slammed by GMB viewers over 'rude' doctors' pay row interview
Good Morning Britain presenter Richard Madeley has been criticised for his 'despicable' comments during an interview about the junior doctor strikes.
Junior doctors began their three days of strike action in England over their pay and conditions. The British Medical Association said only a rise of 35% would bring their pay back to 2008 levels. On Wednesday morning, Dr Sumi Manirajan, Deputy co-chair of the UK Doctors’ Committee, BMA, appeared on GMB to discuss the strikes.
Richard came under fire as he told her outright that junior doctors wouldn't be getting their requested 35% pay rise. Richard said: "You are not going to get 35%, a lot of people think you deserve it, but you are not going to get that, obviously. Average settlements in this country are around 8/8.5% so you are not going to get anywhere near 35%, let’s be realistic. What would you settle for?"
Dr Sumi attempted to break down the pay cut doctors have taken over the years but Richard interrupted to repeat his initial statement. He said: "I am going to ask you a much straighter question and I want you to answer it, if you want to say no comment that’s fine, but let’s have a straight answer. You are not going to get 35%, you know that what would you settle for?"
Richard's attitude was criticised by viewers (ITV)Not falling for Richard's tactic, Dr Sumi responded: "A credible offer is one that shows the government is serious about addressing the pay erosion we have faced over the last 15 years, is one that the committee thinks is suitable to put to the members." Richard kept providing figures for her but she didn't engage in his hypotheticals.
Richard 'shuts up' GMB guest who says Hancock 'deserved' being called 'd***head'
Viewers at home were infuriated by Richard's comments and took to social media to call out his 'disgusting' behaviour. One user said: "Disgusting attitude towards her! The sheer arrogance in your approach towards the doctors is appalling. They save our lives. They have bills to pay too. MPs set for £92k salary. Compare and contrast…”
Are junior doctors right to strike over the festive season? Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.
Another user posted: "Disgusting interview @richardm56 treatment of this young woman is despicable," while one said: "Well well......and how much are you getting paid @richardm56 for sitting behind a desk in such a smug and condescending fashion talking down to people who make life and death decisions every day at work......you Sir are a disgrace at times."
One used an example and said: "Cut Richard Madeley's pay by 35% for a decade then ask him what he thinks would be a reasonable pay offer," while another added: "If only Richard had that passion when talking to a tory politician - instead it was at a poor NHS Junior Doctor… ffs."
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV*
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