Good Morning Britain viewers were less than impressed as they tuned into the programme while feeling the heat amid record-breaking temperatures. Ranvir Singh and Ed Balls were back fronting the ITV news programme on Tuesday morning (July 19) and once again much of the talk was focused on the weather.
The subject of Mr Whippy also arose when the hosts posed whether it was time to scrap Mr Whippy to reduce carbon emissions. Journalist Afua Hagan and the owner of an ice cream truck both appeared on the programme to give their opposing views, joining Ranvir and Ed via video link from different locations.
Afua argued that we all have a "responsibility towards doing what we can to negate the effects of climate change". and that the majority of ice cream vans need to keep their engines running to operate Mr Whippy machines. She said: "The effects of the carbon dioxide that comes from the diesel of the ice cream vans are part of the reason it's part of climate change.
"Everybody has to do their part, and of course, I don't want to take away anyone's livelihood, it's not about that at all. It's about everybody doing their part." However, Katy Alston, the president of the Ice Cream Alliance, argued: "We all have a role in reducing our carbon footprint, we all have a responsibility, and we are on that journey.
"But like everyone else, it takes time to get there and that is what I think people need to be aware of." While she admits the ice cream industry is working "incredibly hard" to make its vans electric, she revealed that an electric truck would set someone back in the region of £140,000.
GMB viewers, however, weren't happy with the debate. @MarleyFino1 fumed: "Ice cream causes climate change? #GMB is becoming a parody." @SuperPosh7 tweeted: "People just want an ice cream. Banning Mr Whippy from making a living is crazy when the planet will be here long after we’re all gone. #gmb."
@wine_oasis wrote: "#GMB gosh what a load of rubbish to think of ditching Mr Whippy (ice cream diesel vans)." @NichollsLiese commented: "Now they’re coming for Mr Whippy is nothing safe?! #gmb." While @Reegs1985 saw some humour in it all and quipped: "I never thought in a million years that we would go LIVE to an ice cream van."
READ NEXT:
- Vicky Pattison fights back tears on BBC The One Show as she opens up on personal project
- ITV This Morning's Gyles Brandreth says he feels 'naked' as he makes change and segment comes under fire
Mortified Kelly Brook left apologising during ITV This Morning segment
- ITV Love Island's Luca Bish's family apologises on his behalf over villa behaviour after revealing death threats
- Hollyoaks' Jorgie Porter is 'back in the jungle' as she shows off blossoming baby bump
