Dennis Skinner, the socialist firebrand MP known as the “Beast of Bolsover”, makes a republican quip every time the Queen opens Parliament. From his traditional spot on the rebels’ bench, he roars his irreverent line following Black Rod knocking and entering the Commons to summon MPs to hear the Queen in the House of Lords. He would perhaps be devastated to realise that he is now just as much a part of the tradition as the pomp, ceremony and ermine.
Here are his most notable heckles:
Subscribe to The New Statesman today from only £8.99 per month
Content from our partners
