ITV Good Morning Britain sparks Ofcom complaints after George Galloway row

Good Morning Britain has received 66 Ofcom complaints from an episode of the show that aired April 30, 2024. The episode in question saw controversial politician George Galloway taken to task over the words he used to describe Saddam Hussein in the early 90s. Ofcom has since confirmed to Express.co.uk the complaints were made in relation to this interview.

Last week on the ITV current affairs programme, hosts Susanna Reid and Richard Madeley grilled Galloway, who is the leader of the Workers Party of Britain, after his Rochdale by-election win reintroduced him to parliament. The divisive politician was questioned over remarks he made about the tyrant Hussein in 1994, four years on from the Gulf War.

Hussein was president of Iraq for more than two decades and was at the centre of the country's military conflicts with Iran and the United States. He was also the first leader to use chemical weapons against his own people.

Hussein was hanged in 2006 after being found guilty of crimes against humanity. In a meeting with the former Iraqi leader, Galloway had said: "Sir, I salute your courage, your strength, your indefatigability.”

Asked about his comment, the politician doubled down on his past stance, insisting his words had been aimed at the Iraqi people rather than Hussein. Madeley branded Hussein a "monster", saying: "Everybody makes mistakes. I'm just wondering if you look back at your political career if that was one of them?"

"I've made lots of mistakes but not that one, that jibe doesn't quite have the sting it used to have,” Galloway shot back.

He also aimed a jibe at Madeley for his comments, claiming the presenter could have found some new "cuttings" to throw at him.

During the interview, Galloway also expressed he was determined to replace the Labour Party.

He said: "I'm not a worshipper of dead Russians and Germans, I'm a follower of Mr Tony Benn. We are the embodiment if you like of Mr Benn's vision of Labour. There's a lot of takers for it."

He was later quizzed on British National Party leader Nick Griffin's endorsement of his politics, which led to a frosty altercation with Reid.

Griffin had tweeted on the day of the election: "If you follow me in Rochdale, get out and vote for George Galloway today.

"He's not perfect, but it's the best way by far to stick two fingers up to the rotten political elite and their fake news media cronies."

Galloway made the argument that he had no control over what others say about him, stating: "He issued a tweet. How am I responsible for that?"

Taking the argument one step further, he said: "If Nick Griffin said today Susanna Reid was his favourite television presenter..."

Reid interjected: "I would absolutely reject..."

Raising his voice, Galloway interrupted: "As I absolutely reject it!"

The contentious interview ended with Galloway hitting out at the show’s research, as he told Madeley: "Check your facts before you come on air. You're old enough to know better".

Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV and ITVX.