Monday’s episode of Loose Women kicked off with a bang, after the show’s stars clashed during a heated discussing on the upcoming lockdown.
Guest Saira Khan put across a passionate argument against the new restrictions, arguing with co-stars Andrea McLean, Brenda Edwards and Gloria Hunniford that ‘lockdown does not work’.
With another national lockdown beginning on Thursday and everything except nurseries, schools, universities and essential shops closing until December, Saira said that the new restrictions will ‘destroy people’s futures’ during a heated exchange.
Saira said that new measures ‘shouldn’t stop people making a living’, and that the Prime Minister should look to support people to continue working in ‘safe environments’.
Gloria spoke out in support of the second lockdown in disagreement with Saira, claiming that the Government must protect as many lives as they can. She also supported the extension of the furlough scheme.
However, Saira was adamant that the long-term impact of lockdown will prove to be very damaging
She said that ‘domestic abuse is going up’ and ‘suicide rates are going through the roof’, before adding: ‘We have to protect the essentials that make our life worth living.’
‘You cannot punish the whole nation for the actions of a few,’ she said, speaking about people who have been breaking restrictions.
‘The majority of people are living in fear’ she said, before adding: ‘We don’t live in a totalitarian state.’
The Loose Woman clashed over the subject, but Andrea was quick to point out that they were ‘all friends’ and ‘all calmed down’ after the discussion.
Boris Johnson previously announced England is set to go back into lockdown from midnight on Thursday. The second full nationwide shut-down of 2020 comes as the number of coronavirus cases threatens to overwhelm the NHS.
Loose Women airs weekdays at 12.30pm on ITV.