Mr Thomas-Symonds initially replied that he had not yet seen the statement from the trade unions, although he understood that one had recently been issued.
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However, before the discussion could continue, Susanna interrupted as live pictures appeared to show Wes Streeting leaving Downing Street.
His departure raised eyebrows in the studio, as he had reportedly been seen arriving only around 10 minutes earlier. Susanna questioned whether the meeting had taken place at all, or whether it had ended far sooner than expected.
Mr Thomas-Symonds attempted to downplay the significance of the visit, explaining that the Prime Minister had made clear that cabinet ministers were welcome to speak with him whenever they had concerns or simply wanted an informal conversation.
He said he had personally spoken with the Prime Minister the previous evening and suggested that a brief morning meeting with Mr Streeting should not be regarded as extraordinary.
Addressing the intense speculation online, he argued that social media users had portrayed the situation as though it were the climax of a spy thriller, when in reality it may have been nothing more than a short coffee meeting between senior colleagues.
But his explanation appeared to leave both presenters unconvinced.
The suggestion that Wes Streeting had visited Downing Street for little more than a casual drink prompted visible surprise from the hosts.
Ed responded sharply, telling the minister that although he regarded him highly, his explanation sounded completely detached from the seriousness of the situation unfolding around the Prime Minister.
