Former prison officer Vanessa Frake-Harris and ex-prisoner Nequela Whittaker weighed in on the debate during Tuesday’s Good Morning Britain. The guests, who had opposing views on whether shouting at prisoners was okay, discussed their thoughts with the ITV hosts. However, many viewers felt the debate was a case of “wokeness”.
Vanessa, who had worked in the prison service for 30 years, explained sometimes the only way to get orders across to inmates is to shout at them.
She admitted that she never once went to work thinking she was going to shout at a prisoner.
The former prison officer said prisons are a noisy place, as she explained: “There are times where you have to raise your voice to call prisoners down to go to visits.”
She later went on to add: “Prison officers are taught to treat prisoners with respect and decency.”
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The segment sparked a huge reaction from viewers, and many took to social media branding the interview as “woke”.
Richard Jones fumed: “No shouting at prisoners in prison. F#ck off woke UK. Enough is enough ffs.” (sic)
Dario CJ said: “Woke prison. Prisoners are having a traumatic experience lots not worry them.”
While Steve went on to add: “Perfect example of woke idiots, don’t shout at a prisoner, absolutely mental #GMB.”
“Outstanding Wokism from #GMB but don’t shout it,” Scott Simpson added.
Other viewers slammed the show over showing the segment at all.
“Talk about a none story this is pure s***…….#gmb,” user @MickJoh14113441 raged.
“No other news then #gmb,” Sue commented while @discobiscuitHH said: “Oh f*** off with this topic..#GMB.” (sic)
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV.