Richard Madeley Explodes Over ‘Trigger Warning’ on GMB: ‘I Give Up!

Good Morning Britain’s Richard Madeley expressed his frustration during Wednesday’s episode of the ITV show over Tesco’s suggestion to use Clubcard data to warn customers when they purchase too many unhealthy foods.

Madeley was not thrilled by the idea, sharing his annoyance with the panel. “It would drive me nuts! Somebody sent me a bottle of wine as a thank-you present recently, and the packaging company had put on the package, ‘drink sensibly’. Get lost! I will drink my present of wine at exactly the volume that I want to drink it!” he fumed.

While guest Kevin Maguire also found the proposal intrusive, co-host Susanna Reid took a more supportive stance, suggesting it might benefit public health. Reid highlighted the increasing problem of unhealthy eating habits in the UK, saying, “I don’t think there’s anything wrong if I was buying a whole load of ready meals and Tesco sent me an email saying, ‘Did you know you could’ve made that yourself and you would’ve saved £4 and it would’ve been healthier?’”

Maguire countered Reid’s point, calling the idea a profiteering tactic by Tesco. Andrew Pierce, another guest on the show, agreed, criticizing the proposal. Richard, still unimpressed, expressed frustration with the number of warnings people now encounter in everyday life. “I just can’t believe we’ve got trigger warnings before the news when we go to the theatre, and now when we shop? I give up,” he exclaimed to the Mirror.

Reid pushed back, defending the idea, saying that providing more education on food choices could help people make better decisions. However, Andrew Pierce chimed in, saying, “They’re infantilizing us.” Madeley quickly agreed, stating, “I couldn’t agree more.”

Viewers took to Twitter to share their own thoughts. One user suggested, “They should look after the healthy food so it doesn’t go off so quickly and reduce the price so more people will buy it!” Another added, “They should make healthier food more affordable! I’m aware of what I’m buying, but I’m restricted by budget.”

Many echoed the sentiment that shoppers can make their own decisions. “Most shoppers can make up their own minds when it comes to buying healthier options, and they don’t need to be nudged into doing it,” one user tweeted. Others agreed, saying if Tesco wanted customers to eat healthier, they should lower prices instead.