Overview
- Alec Penstone made the comments on ITV’s Good Morning Britain on November 7, saying Britain is now “a darn sight worse” than when he fought for its freedom.
- Presenter Kate Garraway consoled Penstone on air, while co‑host Adil Ray asked him to clarify his meaning, a moment that later drew viewer complaints.
- Clips of the exchange spread widely across social media, with many viewers describing emotional reactions and praising the 100‑year‑old’s candor.
- Coverage highlighted Penstone’s wartime record, including Arctic Convoys and D‑Day minesweeping, his array of medals, and his continued poppy‑selling with the Royal British Legion.
- Right‑leaning outlets framed his remarks within wider arguments about immigration, free‑speech laws, and national identity, with no official government response reported.