Reform’s new chairman grilled on GB News after claiming immigration is ‘lifeblood’ of Britain

Bull, a long-time ally of party leader Nigel Farage and former Brexit party MEP, was announced as the party's new chairman at a London event on Tuesday.

His immigration remarks sparked an immediate backlash, with politicians across the spectrum challenging his statement as contradicting Reform UK's traditionally hardline stance on immigration control.

During his appearance on GB News, Bull stated: "Immigration is the lifeblood of this country. It always has been."

The comment immediately sparked fierce debate among viewers, with many expressing outrage that Reform UK's new chairman appeared to be endorsing immigration just hours into his new role.

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The statement seemed particularly jarring given Reform UK's reputation for advocating strict immigration controls and its focus on stopping small boat crossings.

Viewers flooded the programme with messages challenging Bull's position, questioning how his comments aligned with the party's established policies.

The controversy intensified as prominent political figures began weighing in, with Robert Jenrick dismissing Bull's comments as "absolute nonsense" and asserting that immigration is "not the lifeblood" of Britain.

Michelle Dewberry confronted Bull about his controversial statement during her GB News programme, citing critical viewer responses.

"One of the things you've said today has really divided people, to put it mildly," Michelle said. "A lot of viewers have been in touch to ask me to put this to you."

She quoted Bull's exact words back to him before highlighting the political backlash: "The subject of immigration is a very feisty, emotive, passionate subject. It divides the nation. Many people, including Robert Jenrick who said your comments are 'absolute nonsense' and immigration is 'not the lifeblood' of this country, you have Rupert Lowe and Ben Habib disagreeing..."

The presenter's direct challenge put Bull on the defensive, forcing him to address the growing criticism from both viewers and fellow politicians.

Bull quickly moved to clarify his position, insisting he had meant "controlled immigration" rather than open borders.

"What I meant was controlled immigration. We are an island of immigrants and we need to be mindful of that," Bull responded during the programme.

He attempted to align his comments with Reform UK's stance, adding: "We need to attract the best and the brightest, but we also need to look after people in this country first and foremost."

Bull acknowledged the current immigration crisis, stating: "We're not doing that. We have mass, uncontrolled migration into this country and the absolute shambles of the boats coming across with the Government doing nothing."

He concluded: "I was trying to make a point that controlled migration is important and we need to continue with that, but right now, we need to tackle this unfettered immigration."

Bull's appointment as Reform UK chairman was announced at a London event earlier today, with Farage describing his role as providing "leadership" to activists rather than getting involved in administration.

The 56-year-old replaces multi-millionaire businessman Zia Yusuf, who resigned last week following internal disputes over policy positions including calls for a burka ban.

Bull has spent three decades as a television presenter, with a career spanning everything from BBC's Newsround to Living TV's Most Haunted.

Despite being billed as Dr David Bull, he has not practised medicine since his twenties, instead building a media career that included presenting roles in the US and New Zealand.