Richard Madeley Shocks Viewers After Asking Ukrainian MP 'Insulting' Question About Shooting People

Richard Madeley has sparked outrage after asking a Ukrainian MP an 'insulting' question on TV.

The TV host was interviewing MP Lesia Vasylenko who was talking about the decision to send her children out of the country and return herself to Ukraine.

Lesia says she's been forced to keep guns in her possession, that of which includes an AK47.

Madeley asked: 'Can I ask you a very difficult, personal question?

'You are a cultured, civilised human being, you’re a democratically elected MP, you’re a mother of three as we said, and you now have an AK47 propped up in the corner and you’re said you’re prepared to use it.

'Can I just ask you about that last bit?

'Are you really capable as the person as I’ve just described, the person looking down a barrel of a rifle and shooting somebody dead?'

The MP replied whilst holding up the gun to the screen: 'The AK47 sits in the other room.

'I have another gun which I carry with me all the time, I sleep with it, I go to the bathroom with it. Do I have a choice? No, I do not have a choice.

'When I have reports every single day coming in from Russian soldiers roaming through our villages and the streets of all kinds of towns, breaking into people’s houses and just shooting at people because they are moving targets, then no, I do not have a choice.

'As I said I am pro-life.

'I want to live, I want my children to live and I want my nation to live.

'The best way I can guarantee that is if I also stay alive and safe.

'This is why I have these guns, I don’t even think about the moment when I will have to use them.

'The only mantra I’ve had is if danger comes, I’ll pull the trigger.'

People have reacted angrily to Madeley's question.

One user wrote: 'It's so awkward and cringe watching Richard Madeley on @GMB.

'#LesiaVasylenko deserves more respect than the tin pot questions that this moron is asking. It's embarrassing!'

Another added: 'Richard Madeley is so annoying at the best of times, but asking that lady is she prepared to kill someone. Shut up you k***. @GMB it's no wonder I don't watch anymore.'

A third commented: 'There is only one thing worse than Richard Madeley hosting a news programme in a time of war and that is Richard Madeley hosting a news programme in a time of peace.'

Another said: 'This was a very insulting and tasteless interview by Richard. The poor woman made to feel even worse by being asked stupid/insensitive questions!!'

If you would like to donate to the Red Cross Emergency Appeal, which will help provide food, medicines and basic medical supplies, shelter and water to those in Ukraine, click here for more information