Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Politics
Samuel Osborne

Queen's Speech: Dennis Skinner jokes 'get your skates on' to Black Rod

Dennis Skinner delivered another traditional heckle as Black Rod summoned MPs to the Queen's speech, this time making a Royal Ascot quip. 

"Get your skates on. The first race is at half past two," the so-called Beast of Bolsover joked.

The Queen's speech, which had been due to take place on Monday, was rescheduled, meaning she was forced to miss a morning of the races, which is one of her favourite events of the year.

She will instead attend Royal Ascot in the afternoon, after delivering her speech.

Laughter filled the House of Commons in response to the veteran Labour MP's shout, as Black Rod, Lieutenant General David Leakey, tried to keep a straight face.

Mr Skinner, an 85-year-old republican, is renowned for shouting heckles at Black Rod as in protest.

Towards the end of Margaret Thatcher's time as Prime Minister, he shouted: “It tolls for thee, Maggie.” 

He also once told Black Rod to tell the Queen "to pay her taxes". 

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.