British Muslim MP Zarah Sultana accused Good Morning Britain presenter Ed Balls of attempting to patronize her during a Monday morning interview about the recent far-right riots in the UK. In the interview, Sultana emphasized the need to label the violence as “Islamophobic” but was repeatedly interrupted by Balls, who accused her of not answering the questions. This exchange sparked a heated debate, with Sultana taking to X (formerly Twitter) to assert her stance against what she described as sneering contempt from journalists.
During the interview, co-presenter Kate Garraway asked Sultana why it was important to specifically use the term “Islamophobic,” to which Balls interjected, claiming that the term "racist" had already been used over the weekend. As Sultana explained the mosque attacks, Balls interrupted again to highlight that Labour leader Keir Starmer had condemned the violence. Sultana responded, asking for the opportunity to finish her point.
The incident has drawn online criticism, with many describing Balls’ interruptions as “unacceptable and deeply uncomfortable,” and accusing him of being “reckless.” Additionally, scrutiny was directed at Balls and ITV for interviewing his wife, UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, on the same program, raising questions about the impartiality of the interview.
The UK has been facing a wave of far-right violence, including attacks on hotels housing asylum seekers, following false online rumors that the suspect in a recent stabbing rampage in Southport was a Muslim immigrant.