GMB: Richard Madeley clashes with RMT general secretary Mick Lynch over rail strikes

Richard Madeley calls rail strikes leader “disingenuous” in heated debate for GMB
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Richard Madeley clashed with RMT general secretary Mick Lynch over Christmas rail strikes that started today (Tuesday 13 December) in an interview on ITV’s Good Morning Britain.

The journalist, 66, from Romford, was presenting the morning show alongside Kate Garraway, when the interview with Mick became a heated debate as the union leader had previosuly said that they would not strike over the Christmas period.

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“We’re not targeting Christmas Richard, It’s not Christmas yet. I don’t know when your Christmas starts but mine starts on Christmas Eve. So we are striking at this time because we’ve got...,” Mick argued

 Mick Lynch(Getty Images) Mick Lynch(Getty Images)
Mick Lynch(Getty Images)

Richard interrupted Mick and called him "disingenuous", as he continued, explaining: "Commercial Christmas starts in December, you know that,"

The TV presenter continued to call it disingenuous while Mick tried to speak, saying: “If you could let me finish".

Angered over Richard talking over him, Mick said: "Why don’t you just interview yourself if you want to,"

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Richard replied: "I’m holding you to account on behalf of the viewers, not myself. I don’t like the sound of my own voice, I’d like to hear yours."

Mick responded: “If you’d like to hear mine, why don’t you stop talking to yourself?"

Kate Garraway had to interject before the discussion got completely out of hand.

 Richard Madeley (getty) Richard Madeley (getty)
Richard Madeley (getty)

Rail strikes will run from Tuesday 13 December to Sunday 17 December followed by Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing day. This conincides with post strikes, nurses and more.

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Viewers were quick to comment on social media, one wrote: “I agree wit Richard my Christmas starts on 1st December I work Monday to Friday I relying on public transport n trains on strike on a weekend av basically ruined my plans for Christmas coz I can’t get to any Christmas markets n also I can’t get to do my Christmas shopping”.

Another commented: “Shame @richardm56 can’t interview politicians the way he was talking to Mick Lynch! Completely support the strikes and all the other strikes around the country.”

A third penned: “It feels like a fight of egos between Mick Lynch and Network Rail, meanwhile the real losers are the workers and those who need to use the service”.

A fourth questioned: “Why does Madeley ask a question, then interrupt Mike Lynch asking him the same question over and over again.”

More information on Richard Madeley/People World