Labour minister squirms in tense GMB clash as he refuses to answer simple question

A Labour MP skirted his way around a simple question on Good Morning Britain on Tuesday. Presenters Adil Ray and Kate Garraway quizzed Treasury Minister Torsten Bell on his thoughts surrounding conflict around the world, including Russia and Ukraine, and Gaza and Israel.

As he spoke about security concerns for Britain and other nations, Kate stepped in to ask: "Could we see British troops, as part of NATO, on the ground to guarantee that security?" However, the politician tactfully skirted around the question, as he replied: "Well I think it is premature to be getting into those questions." He then added that the Prime Minister had said, however, that the UK needs to "play its part" to provide any guarantees of security.

As he continued answering, he admitted that British troops being on the ground would "not be ruled out" but he would not be getting into the specifics.

Adil then pointed out that there could be a "huge financial risk" to the country if we do supply soldiers, or any kind of military support. He asked the minister: "What would you like to say to people at home in regards to what they should prepare for?

"At the moment, they are feeling the pinch already... Is the reality, though, that this war will take precedent and therefore will be a priority and we should expect a bit of hardship?"

Once again, rather than giving a straight answer, Mr Bell replied: "Let's just step back a second. What have we seen? We have seen an illegal invasion of Ukraine, absolutely terrible for the people of Ukraine.

"And we are still seeing that violence continuing and we are still seeing drone strikes continuing and harming civilians across the country."

He then added that currently the Government's focus is on tackling energy costs, but "looking ahead, the cost of supporting Ukraine is being prompted by Putin's illegal invasion". He said: "We are not doing it out of choice."

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