BBC Breakfast viewers were left divided over presenter Naga Munchetty’s “car crash” interview with Health Secretary Victoria Atkins on the latest episode of the flagship news programme.
Munchetty pressed Atkins about NHS waiting lists in England, with some viewers criticising the 49-year-old for interrupting the politician throughout the tense interview.
At one point, Munchetty said: “The number of people waiting compared to the number of people last year is up 360,000 and compared to when the prime minister came into office, is up 620,000.
“It’s all very well saying these waiting times are coming down but they are still too high. And you say there are some parts of the country that are doing well – where?”
In response, the politician said: “We know there are trusts meeting the 80 per cent target…”
However, Munchetty cut her off, adding: “Can you name them?” To which Atkins retorted: “Actually, I don’t think it’s fair for trusts to be… I’ve tried to be evenhanded with trusts.”
Munchetty chimed in: “I’m sorry, Victoria Atkins if you are going to flag ones that are doing well, great. You say there are ones doing well, say them out loud.
“We’ve had comments from all over the country… You tell our audience where these great trusts are.”
Atkins did not name any trusts individually during the interview, but stressed “there are people who have had good experiences”.
Viewers flocked to X, formerly known as Twitter, during the row, with one person writing: “Naga Munchetty destroying Victoria Atkins is quite the breakfast treat. Absolute car crash. #BBCBreakfast.”
Meanwhile, Susan commented: “Naga is not in the mood for Victoria this morning #BBCBreakfast.”
Matthew noted: “Oh my God, that was a more painful Tory car crash interview than usual from Victoria Atkins. She didn’t even let Naga Munchetty get a word in edgeways.”
Maz said: “#bbcbreakfast Car crash in progress with the hapless hopeless Victoria Atkins. Well done Naga for holding her to account and cutting out her flannel.”
Shan added: “Please Naga, don’t try to browbeat the Health Secretary when the Government is doing their very best to bring the waiting time down.”
Dave said: “@BBCBreakfast Do us all a favour and bin Naga. She is so rude! She badgers and interrupts every politician. Let them speak! Every interview ends up being a shouting match and it’s a complete turn-off – in fact I regularly do!”
BBC Breakfast continues daily on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 6am.