Keir Starmer humiliated on BBC show as David Tennant’s brutal dig leaves panel speechlesss
Prime Minister Keir Starmer was publicly embarrassed during a popular BBC comedy show called Have I Got News For You. The episode was hosted by well-known actor David Tennant, who used the moment to make a harsh joke about Starmer.
During the show, Tennant talked about recent local election results and joked that Nigel Farage, a political figure often known for his strong opinions, was now one step closer to becoming the UK’s Prime Minister. It was a cheeky way of pointing out that things might not be going well for Starmer and his party.
Then Tennant mentioned something Starmer had said earlier that week during the VE Day event, which is a ceremony held to honour British military veterans. Starmer had said, “We owe the veterans a debt which can never be fully repaid.
After reading that line, Tennant paused and made a biting joke: “He could start by giving them back the Winter Fuel Allowance.” The audience immediately clapped and laughed, showing they appreciated the joke. But some of the panellists sitting next to him on the show looked a bit uncomfortable, as if they didn’t quite know how to react.
The joke referred to a government decision that affected elderly people who usually receive money during the winter to help pay for heating. Many saw the cut as unfair, especially for older veterans, and Tennant used that issue to call out Starmer in a way that was both funny and sharp.
After the episode aired, many viewers shared their reactions online. Some were surprised and amused that someone from the entertainment world who is known for leaning left politically would criticize the Labour leader.
One person wrote, “I love it when the left eat their own – it’s happening more and more now.” Another added, “They’re turning on each other!” Others praised Tennant’s delivery and said it was bold and clever, while some people didn’t find it funny at all and thought it went too far.
This incident came shortly after David Tennant had already been in the middle of another controversy. At an award ceremony not long ago, he made a strong comment about Conservative MP Kemi Badenoch, saying he wished she “didn’t exist anymore.” This caused a lot of backlash, with people saying it was too extreme and inappropriate, even for a joke.
In response to that, Keir Starmer later made it clear that he didn’t agree with how Tennant handled the situation. Speaking to reporters during a visit to a doctor’s clinic near Nottingham, Starmer said it’s normal to have tough political arguments, especially during election time.
But he added that these arguments should always be respectful. He said he personally wouldn’t have said something like what Tennant did about Badenoch, and that political discussions should be firm but polite.
The whole situation has sparked debate. Some people believe public figures like Tennant should be allowed to speak out and make bold jokes, especially when it comes to holding leaders accountable.
Others think there should be more respect, especially when dealing with serious topics like fuel allowances for the elderly or the way politicians treat each other. What’s clear is that this joke has created a big buzz and left many wondering whether it revealed cracks within the political left, or just showed how comedy still plays a powerful role in public conversations.
