Kate Garraway clashed with an anti-Brexit campaigner who stripped off naked for a live interview on today’s Good Morning Britain.
Victoria Bateman – who believes that leaving the European Union leaves Britain ‘naked’ – revealed why she chooses to protest without clothing and insisted she is not an “exhibitionist”.
Victoria recently hit headlines during a chat with John Humphries on BBC Radio 4’s Today Show, when she stripped off for a political message.
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Stand-in host Richard Madeley explained why the screen was blurred on Victoria, saying: “We have blurred the image to protect your modesty and everyone at home – even though you don’t mind.”
Kate was quick to ask Victoria – who had “Brexit leaves Britain naked” written across her chest – why being naked is so important.
Victoria replied: “As an economist, I’m used to using words and equations and in the run-up to the referendum, I must have penned thousands of words looking at how Brexit will be bad for Britain.
“When I think about my own thoughts and feelings about big issues, not just Brexit, I’m effected by much more than words alone.”
Richard didn’t seem bothered by the nudity, however, Kate wasn’t so keen.
She said: “I think it is a little bit shocking. We don’t see naked people who aren’t close to us – our children or family members – very often.”
The protester said: “I am a woman who is in control of my own body and happy to use my body to share an important message.
“Why should I as a woman only be allowed to use my body for sex and babies?”
Kate hit back: “It is quite distracting, that fact you’re naked. Women have fought for a long time for their words to be heard and you’re now distracting them with your naked body.”
Victoria said: “I understand that point and 10 years ago, I would never have dreamed of doing something like this.
“If you see me on a day I’m not protesting, I always dress quite modestly. I have no problem at all with nudity and I think we should be free to do what we want.”
She added: “What is embarrassing about a woman’s body? What is embarrassing about a woman being comfortable and confident in her own skin.”
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Viewers watching from home were divided over Victoria being naked on the show.
One person said on Twitter: “Why do you put naked women on in the morning while KIDS are eating breakfast. I understand that its pixelated but it’s still a strange situation to be in.”
Another tweeted: “If I wasn’t already sick of hearing about #Brexit… turn on #GMB and there is some naked idiot discussing it, weird people in the world.”
Why do you put naked women on in the morning while KIDS are eating breakfast. I understand that its pixelated but its still a strange situation to be in. #GMB
— ?? (@callumclats) 12 February 2019
If I wasn’t already sick of hearing about #Brexit …. turn on #GMB and there is some naked idiot discussing it 🙈 weird people in the world
— Stacey Cockburn (@StaceyCockburn) 12 February 2019
A third added: “Why is this woman on @GMB naked for Brexit??? For real??”
Why is this woman on @GMB naked 🙄 for Brexit??? For real?? #gmb #nakedlady #brexit
— ❤️JaydeeShep❤️ (@Jaydeebubz5704) 12 February 2019
Others defended her.
One person said: “This is a free country and she’s entitled to deliver her message clothed or naked. Her choice.”
Another wrote: “Good on her if that’s what she wants to do – not sure it is particularly effective other than in the first instant – but each to their own.”
This is a free country and she’s entitled to deliver her message clothed or naked. Her choice. #GMB
— Julian (@jckato) 12 February 2019
good on her if that’s what she wants to do – not sure it is particularly effective other than in the first instant – but each to their own
— Penny Roberts (@tashatwirl) 12 February 2019
Well said Victoria. Every bit of respect for carrying on as you are. The world needs more people like you prepared to do what you must to stand up for your rights and not be cowtowed by the mob. Your spirit reminds like that of @jeremycorbyn .
— Michael Birchmore (@PerVersePoet) 12 February 2019
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