GMB's Richard Madeley skewers Labour over outrageous early prison release blunder

host slammed Labour over their controversial early prison release scheme.

During Thursday's visit (October 24) to the studios, the 68-year-old broadcaster and his co-host Susanna Reid woke up the nation.

The dynamic duo discussed some of the biggest stories hitting the headlines which included the upcoming ban for disposable vapes in 2025 and the launch of the Royal British Legion's annual Poppy Appeal.

But one of the most talked about topics on the famous blue sofa which has been dominating headlines is the backlash from Labour's controversial new prison scheme.

On Wednesday (October 23), more than 1,000 convicts were released from jails up and down the country in an attempt to alleviate the overcrowding crisis in the UK.

More than 24 hours after the second wave of prisoners were released, the dynamic duo welcomed abuse victim Elizabeth Hudson onto the show.

Martin Underwood was given a sentence of six years after he beat and injured her and held a knife to her face. He also abused several of his former partners before he was put behind bars.

Earlier this week, she was told that her abusive ex-husband could be eligble for early release in December as part of the new scheme. Thankfully, this decision was overruled but warned that he could be released in June.

Richard suggested that "the minister doesn't understand her own policy" as he quizzed Elizabeth on the change to Martin's release date.

Elizabeth began: "Clearly there's some relief around that, absolutely. I totally, totally feel vindicated in a way that I feel listened to. However, there's still so much fog around this policy - it makes no sense.

"If he's not eligible for home detention cerfew because of the offences he's committed - well those offences are the same offences that would exclude him from early release. except he's still eligible for early release. So I think you're right there tht the minister doesn't understand her own policy."

Susanna added: "I mean there are two things there, aren't there? One: Why on earth was he eligible for early release because we thought we'd been assured as a society that domestic abusers would not be eligible for early release.

"It seemed to be a technicality that the actual offence and sentence for which he is eligible is one that is not associated with the domestic violence which just blew everyone's mind because he'd been convicted of other offences which clearly made him a domestic abuser."

She went on: "But also, the point that I put to the justice secretary is that he is subject to two indefinite restraining orders. He hasn't breached them.

"But one of your campaigns is, if somebody is subject to an indefinite restraining order, how are they possibly eligible for early release from prison? And we had it clarified - it doesn't affect it.

"It's not a conviction, it's just an order and therefore they are eligible for early release," the TV presenter fumed. Richard pointed out: "If they breach the order then it does kick in, but other than that it doesn't have any effect."

Elizabeth agreed: "It's insane. It's such an obvious thing to do and I can't believe that nobody in government spotted that one as a really, really easy measure to make sure that the most dangerous offenders aren't released early."

The controversial scheme sparked debate on X - formerly known as Twitter - as fans shared their opinions online.

One user fumed: "Good, keep him in there for another 10 years. Evil, violent man" as another echoed: "In my opinion Elizabeth is a very brave lady.

"If having a knife held at her throat isn't voilent then maybe the MP who clearly doesn't know her own policies should go visit Elizabeth's ex and see if she thinks it's not violent."

Meanwhile, another argued: "I understand the fear of early release but playing devil's advocate: Won't it make him more angry and want revenge?!

A fourth pointed out: "Unfortunately, this woman's ex hasn't giot a full life term, so will be released at some point. That's nothing new & always happens. Even though it sucks."

Good Morning Britain airs on weekdays from 6am on ITV1 or catch up on ITVX.