Overview

• On Wednesday’s programme, Clark praised legal migrants who he said helped save his mother’s life and questioned the treatment of people arriving on small boats, citing hotels, meals and even “iPads.”
• Hours later he posted a statement on Instagram and X saying, “You can be pro immigration and against illegal routes,” urging civil discussion rather than pile-ons.
• The reaction split viewers and public figures, with support from Thomas Skinner and Robert Rinder, and praise from far-right activist Tommy Robinson, alongside strong criticism from others.
• Clark returned to hosting duties on Thursday without addressing the remarks on air beyond light studio banter, and there was no public indication of disciplinary action by ITV.
• Commentary highlighted factual disputes over claims about ‘luxuries’ for asylum seekers, and coverage placed the exchange within a broader policy fight that includes Reform UK’s mass deportation proposals.