Jeremy Clarkson Calls For Strikers To Be Shot

The BBC has been forced to apologise after Jeremy Clarkson said he would like to see striking public sector workers "shot" in front of their families.

The Top Gear presenter made his comments on BBC's The One Show on the evening
of Britain's biggest public sector strikes in 30 years.

He said of the strikers: "I'd have them all shot. I would take them outside and execute them in front of their families.

"I mean, how dare they go on strike when they've got these gilt-edged pensions that are going to be guaranteed while the rest of us have to work for a living."

Clarkson's comments caused an immediate uproar on Twitter, with hundreds joining the backlash.

Chat show host Piers Morgan tweeted: "Clarkson can abuse - and hit (weakly..) - me all he likes. But what he said about the strikers just proves he's a nasty little twerp."

Author Tony Parsons tweeted: "Jeremy Clarkson has misjudged the moment. Criticising striking public sector workers today is like sieg-heiling at Last Night of the Proms."

KateakaMrsO tweeted: "First time I have ever complained about a programme, as I usually think people can use off button but Jeremy Clarkson a disgrace."

A BBC spokesman said The One Show made an on-air apology at the end of the show to "viewers who may have been offended by Jeremy Clarkson's comments".

Jon Trickett , Labour's shadow minister for the Cabinet Office, said: "No one wants these strikes but most of today's strikers are mums, not militants.

"Clarkson should apologise. And the Prime Minister should make clear he disassociates himself from the distasteful remarks uttered by one of his friends."