Menu
06/02/2009
Clarkson Apologises For Gordon Brown Jibe
Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson has apologised for branding Prime Minister Gordon Brown a "one-eyed Scottish idiot".
The 48-year-old, said: "In the heat of the moment I made a remark about the Prime Minister's personal appearance for which, upon refection, I apologise."
Clarkson, who is in Australia to host Top Gear Live, a stage version of the hit BBC show, made the comments at a press conference in Sydney.
Clarkson compared Mr Brown with the Australian Prime Minister, after Kevin Rudd had just addressed the country on the global financial crisis.
According to reports in The Australia newspaper, Clarkson said: "It's the first time I've ever seen a world leader [Mr Rudd] admit we really are in deep s**t. He looked genuinely terrified.
"Poor man - he's actually seen the books. We have this one-eyed Scottish idiot who keeps telling us everything's fine and he’s saved the world and we know he's lying, but he's smooth at telling us."
Mr brown lost his sight in one eye following an accident playing rugby as a teenager.
The controversial TV presenter's comments were met with outrage from Scottish politicians.
Gordon Banks, Labour MP for Ochil and South Pershire, called the remark "unforgivable", while former Labour Scottish minister, Lord Foulkes said he was "outraged" at the comments.
"If the BBC banned Jonathan Ross for what he said and they have taken Carol Thatcher off air for something she said in private, then something should be done about Clarkson," he said.
"He has insulted Gordon Brown three times over: accusing him of being a liar, having a go at him for having a physical handicap, and for his nationality.
"It is an absolute outrage of the worst kind."
The BBC said it noted Clarkson's apology for the comments and would be taking no further action.
Number 10 also said that Clarkson "is entitled to his own interpretation of the economic circumstances".
(JM/BMcC)
The 48-year-old, said: "In the heat of the moment I made a remark about the Prime Minister's personal appearance for which, upon refection, I apologise."
Clarkson, who is in Australia to host Top Gear Live, a stage version of the hit BBC show, made the comments at a press conference in Sydney.
Clarkson compared Mr Brown with the Australian Prime Minister, after Kevin Rudd had just addressed the country on the global financial crisis.
According to reports in The Australia newspaper, Clarkson said: "It's the first time I've ever seen a world leader [Mr Rudd] admit we really are in deep s**t. He looked genuinely terrified.
"Poor man - he's actually seen the books. We have this one-eyed Scottish idiot who keeps telling us everything's fine and he’s saved the world and we know he's lying, but he's smooth at telling us."
Mr brown lost his sight in one eye following an accident playing rugby as a teenager.
The controversial TV presenter's comments were met with outrage from Scottish politicians.
Gordon Banks, Labour MP for Ochil and South Pershire, called the remark "unforgivable", while former Labour Scottish minister, Lord Foulkes said he was "outraged" at the comments.
"If the BBC banned Jonathan Ross for what he said and they have taken Carol Thatcher off air for something she said in private, then something should be done about Clarkson," he said.
"He has insulted Gordon Brown three times over: accusing him of being a liar, having a go at him for having a physical handicap, and for his nationality.
"It is an absolute outrage of the worst kind."
The BBC said it noted Clarkson's apology for the comments and would be taking no further action.
Number 10 also said that Clarkson "is entitled to his own interpretation of the economic circumstances".
(JM/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 December 2011
BBC Apologises Over Clarkson Comments
The BBC has being forced to apologise after broadcaster and journalist Jeremy Clarkson called for public service workers on strike to be "taken out and shot".
BBC Apologises Over Clarkson Comments
The BBC has being forced to apologise after broadcaster and journalist Jeremy Clarkson called for public service workers on strike to be "taken out and shot".
02 December 2011
Clarkson's Strike Comments Rack Up 21,000 Complaints
The BBC has received some 23,000 complaints over comments made by journalist and broadcaster Jeremy Clarkson- with Clarkson and the BBC now having both apologised. The complaints, 21,331 in total, relate to the Top Gear presenter’s solution to the public sector strike.
Clarkson's Strike Comments Rack Up 21,000 Complaints
The BBC has received some 23,000 complaints over comments made by journalist and broadcaster Jeremy Clarkson- with Clarkson and the BBC now having both apologised. The complaints, 21,331 in total, relate to the Top Gear presenter’s solution to the public sector strike.
01 April 2008
British Troop Withdrawal From Iraq 'Unlikely'
The Defence Secretary Des Browne is expected to tell the Commons that there are currently no plans to reduce the number of British troops in Iraq. Ambitious plans to decrease the number of soldiers from 4,100 may have been withdrawn, sparked by recent fighting in Basra, the BBC has reported.
British Troop Withdrawal From Iraq 'Unlikely'
The Defence Secretary Des Browne is expected to tell the Commons that there are currently no plans to reduce the number of British troops in Iraq. Ambitious plans to decrease the number of soldiers from 4,100 may have been withdrawn, sparked by recent fighting in Basra, the BBC has reported.
25 September 2014
Keith Brown MSP Announces Intention To Stand For Deputy Leadership Of SNP
Keith Brown, MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, has officially launched his campaign to become deputy leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP). It comes after Nicola Sturgeon, deputy first minister of Scotland and deputy leader of the SNP announced she would seek to become the country's first minister and leader of the party.
Keith Brown MSP Announces Intention To Stand For Deputy Leadership Of SNP
Keith Brown, MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, has officially launched his campaign to become deputy leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP). It comes after Nicola Sturgeon, deputy first minister of Scotland and deputy leader of the SNP announced she would seek to become the country's first minister and leader of the party.
25 July 2007
More homes evacuated as flood misery continues
Around 250 homes have been evacuated in Oxford as the city became the latest area of Britain to be affected by flooding. The homes were evacuated in the Osney area of the city and some residents seeking shelter stayed in Oxford United's Kassam stadium.
More homes evacuated as flood misery continues
Around 250 homes have been evacuated in Oxford as the city became the latest area of Britain to be affected by flooding. The homes were evacuated in the Osney area of the city and some residents seeking shelter stayed in Oxford United's Kassam stadium.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
