Yvette Cooper was welcomed onto the ITV show to discuss the latest migrant policies as Ed Balls made a swift exit
A presenter on Good Morning Britain went missing as a guest appeared on Tuesday. Secretary of State for the Home Department Yvette Cooper was welcomed onto the ITV show to discuss the latest migrant policies brought into effect from the Labour party, but as she appeared on screen, regular presenter Ed Balls was missing – leaving Kate Garraway to do the interview alone.
The 58-year-old presenter began the chat with all guns blazing as she started the grilling straight away, ignoring the absence of her co-star as the show returned from a break. She began: “Now, the first illegal migrants that will be returned to France under the ‘one in, one out’ deal are set to be detained within days, but critics say it will barely scratch the surface when 25,000 people have crossed the Channel so far this year.” She added: “The Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, joins us now. Can you just clear up when this is coming in? I think the Home Office told us yesterday it was today, but I believe on another broadcaster, you said it was actually tomorrow. Can we just clarify that quickly, first of all?”
Kate Garraway was forced to do the interview alone (Image: ITV)
Yvette Cooper spoke about the latest migrant policies (Image: ITV)
The politician admitted that Kate was correct as the treaty is being laid today, with the immigration rules that underpin it. “That means, in practice, they come into force tomorrow and that means that we can start detaining people within a matter of days,” she said.
However, Kate pointed out that the numbers are not looking great, with just 50 people a week reportedly being sent back. She said: “It is a proverbial drop in the ocean and no deterrent at all.”
Yvette shared that the plans are for the numbers to start lower and then build as that is “the nature of it being a new deal”. But Kate was unhappy with the answer as she interrupted asking for clarity.
She asked: “Just for clarity on the numbers, when you say start lower, do you mean lower than 50 and build to 50? Or do you mean start at 50 and build to something more significant?”
But the politician awkwardly stuttered before skirting around the question, replying: “Erm… start lower than where they will eventually end up. We have not set any numbers.” Kate laughed in disbelief as she noted: “That sounds like a politician’s answer!”
The absence of Ed, who is married to Yvette, comes as he has previously faced criticism while interviewing his wife live on air. Fans of Good Morning Britain previously complained that it made for a “biased” chat.
After the interview, the show cut to a break before showing Ed back in his usual presenting seat as Kate addressed the absence, saying: “Ed, of course, removed himself during out interview with the Home Secretary because he is married to her.”
But fans at home poked fun at the situation. Posting to X/Twitter, one joked: “Ed’s popped off for a cuppa to make it look like he’s not Yvette’s husband #gmb.”
Another added: “Ed you can come from under the desk now #gmb,” while a third said: ” #GMB lovely cosy interview with Ed’s wife the Home Secretary this morning. Well done Kate, they’re probably having dinner together tonight.”
