Dennis Skinner gag: Veteran Labour MP tells Black Rod 'hands off the BBC'

The left-winger used his gag to draw attention to changes proposed to the BBC

Labour MP Dennis Skinner has used his customary joke at the State Opening of Parliament to draw attention to perceived attacks on the BBC.

The veteran left-winger shouted “hands off the BBC!’ at the Queen’s representative marched through the House of Commons.

“Mr Speaker, the Queen commands this honorable House to attend Her Majesty at once in the House of Peers,” Black Rod said, as he is scripted to.

Mr Skinner replied in his customary fashion: “Hands off the BBC!”

His comments were met with cheering and even some applause from other MPs.

The Labour MP’s heckles have become a constitutional tradition during the State Opening of Parliament.

Previous gags have included “Royal expenses are on the way” in 2009 during the MPs’ expenses scandal and “has she got Helen Mirren on standby” in 2006, after the release of the film, The Queen.

He first made a comment during the state opening in 1987.

Mr Skinner’s microphone appeared to be switched on for his contribution, judging by the volume it was broadcast on television coverage.

His comment comes after the BBC yesterday announced it would be mothballing its recipes website after a Government White Paper said it should restrict its role to core services.

Other areas set to be closed include the Magazine section of the corporation’s news website and some Newsbeat services for young people, including its app and separate website