Dermot O'Leary and his co-star on This Morning disagree on maternity pay.

Things became quite uncomfortable on This Morning as the hosts discussed the topic of maternity pay. Dermot O'Leary, who was co-hosting with Alison Hammond, expressed strong feelings in response to calls from unions to increase maternity pay. On the other hand, former MP Gyles Brandreth, 75, argued that the government should not be involved in this matter.

Sonia Sodha first suggested that maternity pay should be increased due to the widening gender pay gap when mothers return to work part-time. Dermot, 50, questioned if this was the government's way of supporting industries. Before Sonia could respond, Gyles interjected, stating that the government should not be involved.

Dermot did not hold back, stating, "We all believe in proper maternity leave and pay. This should be decided by the employers. The good news is that if you have a happy workplace and take care of your employees, they will reward you by working harder and longer. So it's in everyone's best interest to handle this properly." Celebrity Gogglebox star Gyles emphatically added, "The economy is created by the people out there doing the work!"

Dermot countered, "The issue with that, Gyles, and with all due respect, is that you and I fundamentally disagree. If we leave it up to the market, no one gets looked after. The only ones who benefit from the market are those with money."

Gyles frustratedly declared, "No!" Dermot responded, "This is completely wrong." The two continued to argue, with Gyles stating, "This is why I am a capitalist and you are a socialist." Many viewers praised Dermot for standing up to Gyles, who they believed was out of touch.

Dermot clarified, "I'm not a socialist, Gyles. But I don't agree with that particular stance." Gyles explained how a good working environment leads to better, longer, and more productive work. Alison chimed in, asking, "But what about when you're pregnant and need time off?" Gyles responded, "That's exactly what I'm saying. If you take care of your employees, you give them proper maternity leave."

Journalist Sonia argued that not all companies take this approach unless they are mandated to by the government, which is why there should be rules around maternity leave. Gyles agreed, stating, "Of course, we need rules and regulations to ensure things are done properly. But the fundamental difference between us is that I don't believe in a top-down solution. The government can't solve everything. We need low inflation and a growing economy to make all of this possible, but the government alone is not the answer."

The debate was quite awkward, with many viewers on Dermot's side and applauding him for standing his ground. User kellymcc5 wrote, "Good for Dermot for standing up to out of touch Gyles." Binnsphilip stated, "Dermot is a kind considerate man and talks sense!" KazP19 added, "Yes Dermot! Finally someone argued with the hideous Brandreth."

This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV1 and ITVX. If you have a celebrity story, video, or pictures, get in touch with the entertainment team at The Agency by emailing us, calling 020 3615 2145, or visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. In other news, many were concerned by Jordan North's sudden exit from BBC Radio 1, while Graham Norton shared a rare confession about his married life with husband Jonathan McLeod.

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