ITV disciplines This Morning after paedophile incident

ITV has issued a statement saying it has taken disciplinary action against staff on This Morning, following an incident last week that saw Phillip Schofield attempt to hand David Cameron a list of alleged paedophiles during a live interview.

The PM, who did not look at the list, replied: “There is a danger if we are not careful that this can turn into a sort of witch-hunt, particularly against people who are gay, and I’m worried about the sort of thing you are doing right now, taking a list of names off the internet.”

The prime minister’s comments drew surprise and criticism from some within the LGBT community.

However, it was subsequently revealed David Cameron’s reference was based on his concern that wide-spread internet speculation about the sexuality of politicians was being used to drag names into the current abuse scandal.

In a statement on Thursday, ITV said: “Last Thursday we began an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the mistake on that day’s This Morning programme, for which both Phillip Schofield and ITV apologised. This investigation has now concluded and the appropriate disciplinary action has been taken”.

The broadcaster refused to comment further but according to Sky News, reports suggest Phillip Schofield and three producers have been reprimanded.

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