Dennis Skinner tells Jeremy Hunt to 'wipe that smirk off his face'

'Start negotiating now and sort the matter out'

Jeremy Hunt has been told to "wipe that smirk off his face" by the outspoken Labour MP Dennis Skinner, as the Health Secretary faced questions in the Commons ahead of the junior doctors’ strike.

Speaking less than 24 hours before junior doctors stage the most signifcant strike in the NHS’s 68-year history, the ‘Beast of Bolsover’ said Mr Hunt’s demeanour in the House was giving off an impression that he is “revelling in standing up to the junior hospital doctors”.

“When the Secretary of State came into the chamber today I don’t know whether he realises it or not but there is a smirk and arrogance about him that almost portrays the fact that he’s delighted in taking part in this activity,” Mr Skinner said as his stood up, pointing at the Health Secretary.

He added: “He could start negotiations today. Wipe that smirk off his face. Get down to some serious negotiations. It’s had to be done in the past but instead he comes into here to try and blame the opposition for what is taking place.

“This strike can only be cause by two sides – one are the junior hospital doctors and the other side is the government. He’s almost giving the impression that he is revelling in standing up to the junior hospital doctors. Start negotiating now and sort the matter out.”

Mr Hunt, appearing irritated by the Labour MPs intervention, responded: “Well the honourable gentleman has made many memorable contributions to the House but I am afraid that was unworthy his track record. Let me tell him exactly what the government has been doing to sort this issue.”

Just two weeks ago Mr Skinner was ejected from the House of Commons for labelling the Prime Minister “Dodgy Dave” over his personal finances, in the wake of the leaked Panama Papers. After twice declining to withdraw the jibe he was thrown out on the grounds of unparliamentary language.

At the time, he said: "Does the Prime Minister recall that at the time after he became Prime Minister under the coalition and at the time when he was dividing the nation between strivers and scroungers, I asked him a very important question about the windfall he received when he wrote off the mortgage of the premises in Notting Hill, and I said to him he didn't write off the mortgage of the one taxpayers were helping to pay for at Oxford.

"I didn't receive a proper answer then. Maybe dodgy Dave will answer it now."