A fiery TV row broke out after Matthew Stadlen declared "there is no such thing as British people" during a clash on migration with former Reform UK spokesman Gawain Towler.

The exchange came amid growing debates over immigration and national identity.

Matthew Stadlen declared 'there is no such thing as British people'

Speaking on GB News, Mr Towler said: "The boats are there because Nigel went out into the Channel and showed the public what was really happening.

"He saw it, reported on it on this channel, not the others. And yes, things feel ungovernable, but what’s shifting now is the mood of the British people. There’s a paradigm shift happening, and that opens the way for a more radical Government.

"I grew up proud that Britain was open to those seeking asylum.

"Between 1947 and 1997, numbers were around 40,000 to 60,000 a year and people accepted that.

"But with the massive increases we’ve seen since, both legal and illegal, that goodwill of the British people has broken.”

Mr Stadlen said: “There is no such thing as the British people. That’s just a phrase Nigel Farage likes to use."

Shocked, Mr Towler asked: “What on earth are you talking about?"

He went on: "We don’t all think as a lump.”

Mr Towler hit back: "Of course there is, it is the people of this country. Stop, stop, stop. ”

Mr Stadlen said: “Reform got 30 per cent of the vote, but you and I are both equally British with completely different views. So don’t talk about ‘the British people’ as if they all think the same.”

Mr Towler explained: “What’s happening is the Overton window has shifted and it’s shifting fast. Just look at the phenomenon of flags going up across the country.”

The comments left Mr Towler shocked

Mr Stadlen fumed: “That’s just pathetic. I’m as patriotic as the next man or woman, but I don’t feel the need to go around sticking flags on lampposts.”

The debate coincided with a grassroots campaign called Operation Raise the Colours, which has seen residents across England erecting St George's and Union Jack flags in their communities.

The movement has gained momentum in cities including Manchester, Bradford, Newcastle and Norwich, as well as on the Isle of Wight.

The campaign emerged partly in response to local councils removing flags from public spaces. Tower Hamlets Mayor Lutfur Rahman, who was convicted of electoral fraud in 2015, stated that flags in his borough would be taken down as part of routine maintenance work.