GMB’s Richard Madeley clashes with Susanna Reid and Dr Hilary Jones over wearing a mask post freedom day as he says ‘they’re not comfortable’

Richard Madeley clashed with Susanna Reid and Dr Hilary Jones on air on Monday as they stated the case for mask-wearing post freedom day, expected to be on July 19. 

The presenter, 65, argued that he ‘doesn’t like them and isn’t comfortable’ with continuing to wear masks when restrictions loosen. 

In the two against one debate, co-presenter Susanna Reid, 50, said that she will continue to ‘wear a mask in any enclosed environment, like the supermarket’ because infection rates are still rising.

Defiant: Richard Madeley, 65, clashed with Susanna Reid, 50,  and Dr Hilary Jones, 68, on GMB on Monday morning as they stated the case for mask-wearing post July 19

Richard started off the show by saying: ‘This is the first show I’ve come in thinking we’ve basically got nothing but good news – the football, the 19th […] we can relax and celebrate a bit.’

Susanna said: ‘Infections are going up. You know that? Hospitalisations are going up.’ 

Dr Hilary, 68, had to step in with some statements saying, ‘we’ve got cases 74% in a week 56% hospitalisations in a week. […] Vaccines don’t give you 100% protection.’ 

Mask-wearing: Susanna Reid said that she will continue to ‘wear a mask in any enclosed environment, like the supermarket’ even after freedom day 

Richard then argued that using percentages was ‘a bit misleading’ and said, ‘it sounds a lot but in real numbers it’s not.’ 

The doctor hit back with the fact that millions of Brits are still yet to be vaccinated, and that if restrictions are lifted we open up opportunity for new variants which may be resistant to the current vaccines.  

He continued that the nation should ‘exercise restraint’ when it comes to freedom day, and that when entering places with poor ventilation and big crowds people should continue to wear masks. 

Susanna chimed in with the fact that she believes that ‘people’s attitudes have changed’ and that she will be wearing a mask in the situations the doctor mentioned. 

New variants: Dr Hilary Jones said millions of Brits are still yet to be vaccinated, and that if restrictions are lifted we open up opportunity for new variants which may be resistant to the current vaccines

Uncomfortable: Richard continued with his side and said that he ‘doesn’t want to wear a mask anymore. I’m not comfortable, I don’t like it’

Richard continued with his side and said that he ‘doesn’t want to wear a mask anymore. I’m not comfortable, I don’t like it.’ 

The presenter concluded the debate by saying that he will ‘read the vibe’ when it comes to mask wearing.

Boris Johnson is set to defy warnings from scientists at a press conference on Monday regarding face masks, working from home and social distancing.   

The PM may announce freedom day for the July 19 and urge people to use their common sense on COVID rather than being told what to do from the government. 

Common sense: PM Boris Johnson is set to defy warnings from scientists at a press conference on Monday regarding face masks, working from home and social distancing

After ‘Freedom Day’ on July 19 the wearing of face masks is set to become a personal choice in England

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