A fiery exchange erupted on GB News when Matthew Stadlen and Laila Cunningham clashed over the Unite the Kingdom rally, with their disagreement centring on whether organiser Tommy Robinson should be characterised as far-right.
The discussion grew increasingly tense as the two guests sparred over political labels and the nature of the demonstration.
Their dispute became so heated that presenter Alex Armstrong was compelled to step in and restore order to prevent the debate from spiralling completely out of control.
The confrontation highlighted deep divisions over how to characterise Mr Robinson and his supporters, with neither guest willing to concede ground on their opposing viewpoints about the controversial figure and the massive London march he had organised.
Alex Armstrong was forced to step in as a Tommy Robinson clash boiled over on GB News
|GB NEWS
Mr Stadlen articulated his stance during the broadcast, declaring that Robinson was "unequivocally a far-right activist" and explaining why he would never participate in such a demonstration.
Despite acknowledging legitimate concerns about immigration, stating "I would like the boats to stop" and describing them as "very dangerous," Mr Stadlen maintained he could not support a march organised by Mr Robinson. He emphasised that proper border controls were necessary for the country.
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The commentator revealed personal motivations behind his position, noting his Jewish heritage and strong opposition to antisemitism.
He drew parallels with pro-Palestine demonstrations, explaining that whilst he had criticised Israel's actions following October 7, he avoided those marches due to potential Hamas sympathisers among participants.
Alex Armstrong was forced to step in as tensions boiled over
|GB NEWS
Britons tell GB News why they are protesting at free speech rally
Mr Stadlen concluded by asserting his secure sense of British identity, stating he felt no need to prove his patriotism through such rallies.
Ms Cunningham pushed back against the characterisation of rally participants, highlighting how counter-protesters had branded marchers as "fascist scum."
She argued that such inflammatory language served only to drive further radicalisation among those being targeted with these labels.
When Mr Stadlen directly challenged her by asking "Do you think Tommy Robinson is far-right?", Ms Cunningham declined to offer an assessment. "I'm not here to comment on Tommy Robinson," she stated, refusing to be drawn into categorising the rally organiser's political position.
The pair were frustrated at each other's interruptions
|GB NEWS
The exchange grew more contentious as Ms Cunningham demanded to be heard without interruption. "Are you going to let me speak or are you going to interrupt me?" she asked with evident frustration, as the discussion threatened to descend into chaos.
The confrontation reached its peak when both guests began talking over each other, with accusations flying about who was interrupting whom.
Mr Stadlen countered Ms Cunningham's complaints by asserting that she was equally guilty of cutting him off mid-sentence, stating "If you're going to interrupt me, let me respond".
The studio atmosphere became increasingly charged as neither participant would yield the floor, their voices rising as they attempted to make their points heard simultaneously. The professional broadcast threatened to devolve into an unproductive shouting match.
At this critical juncture, presenter Alex recognised the need for immediate intervention.
He stepped in decisively to halt the escalating confrontation, preventing the debate from completely breaking down on live television.
The debate had been sparked by a massive demonstration that drew over 100,000 participants to central London, according to reports.
Mr Robinson's rally, which he promoted as Britain's "biggest free speech" event, attracted supporters from across the country, including what he described as "football lads" from various regions.
The march proceeded from Waterloo to Whitehall, featuring prominent speakers including former President Trump strategist Steve Bannon.
Counter-demonstrators organised by Stand Up to Racism staged their own protest, marching from Russell Square to the opposite end of Whitehall.
Metropolitan Police deployed substantial resources to keep the opposing groups separated, with officers' leave cancelled to manage the demonstrations alongside multiple football fixtures across the capital. The rallies occurred just one week after pro-Palestine protests that resulted in nearly 900 arrests.