ITV Defends Ed Balls' Interview with Yvette Cooper

ITV has faced significant backlash after Ed Balls interviewed his wife, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, on Good Morning Britain amid ongoing violent riots across the UK. Critics, including journalists and social media users, expressed concerns over potential bias and conflict of interest, arguing that the setup was inappropriate for a news program with a duty of impartiality. ITV defended the interview as 'balanced, fair and duly impartial,' emphasizing the need for discussions around the national emergency caused by the riots, which have seen attacks on police and public property. During the interview, Cooper acknowledged the role of social media in exacerbating far-right extremism and violence, while Balls questioned her on the government’s response to the unrest. The criticism has sparked broader discussions about the relationship between media and political figures in the UK, particularly in the context of current affairs programming. The unrest was triggered by a tragic incident in Southport that resulted in the deaths of three children, further amplifying public concern.