ITV GMB halted for breaking news just minutes into show as Kate Garraway issues update
Kate, 58, handed over to news correspondent Louisa James who was reporting live from Number 10 with a breaking news story. The journalist delivered a concerning update following a report from the Independent Water Commission, as the government announces its plans to revamp the sector and introduce a new, more powerful complaints watchdog.
She started by saying: "I guess the key question is how much is it going to cost and who is going to pay for it? Will the answer ultimately be: All of us through our bills? Because this report outlines some pretty big changes.
"The government has made some very ambitious promises to half the number of pollution spills, water companies are making big spending plans, between them spending more than £100billion in improving infrastructure and our water have already gone up by 26% in April this year and are expected to continue rising."
TV presenter Louisa briefed viewers on the silver lining found in a recent report, emphasising the newfound financial transparency. She noted: "One good thing that the review looks at is how that money is going to be spent," reports the Express.
"It talks about companies being less reliant on debt, more financially resilient, making sure they're investing in maintaining their assets."
Yet the report presented an unclear picture, with Louisa pointing out to viewers that it doesn't tackle how corporate salaries are determined, particularly under scrutiny seeing as the chief executive of Southern Water was recently offered a hefty salary bump.
Furthermore, Louisa highlighted another gap: "What it also doesn't do is address the question of renationalisation of water companies. That is something Reform UK wants but the government says it's too expensive.
"It will take money away from things like the NHS and schools. Conservatives say the government needs to explain how replacing one quingo with another is going to clean up our rivers and lakes."
Earlie this week, GMB's Charlotte Hawkins revealed that she was taking part in BBC One's The Weakest Link. Writing on Instagram, she said: "Some exciting filming - taking part in The Weakest Link! Just a bit terrifying... you'll have to watch later in the year to see how we all did! #weakestlink #quizshow #quiz."
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