Jeremy Clarkson public sector strike joke 'cleared by BBC bosses'

Jeremy Clarkson's controversial comment that striking public sector workers should be shot was reportedly cleared by BBC bosses before it was made live on television.

The 51-year-old Top Gear presenter has been roundly criticised after he made a series of outlandish claims about public servants, suggesting that they should be executed for going on strike over their "gilt-edged pensions".

His comments were condemned by prime minister David Cameron and Labour leader Ed Miliband, while public sector union UNISON has called for the BBC to terminate his employment.

Around 5,000 viewers are also understood to have complained about the statements made on The One Show while Clarkson was promoting his new Christmas DVD.

The controversy was so big that "Jeremy Clarkson" was the highest trending topic in the UK on micro-blogging site Twitter, and the fourth most-discussed issue worldwide.

Both Clarkson and the BBC have apologised for the controversial joke, but the corporation is facing fresh questions today after Clarkson claimed that he warned producers in advance and gained approval for the comments.

Speaking to The Times, Clarkson said that he had informed the production team of The One Show of the details of what he was going to say, which he insists was only intended as a joke remark.

The Times said that the show's producers felt that it would be entertaining if Clarkson offered an alternative view on the industrial action, but it was not meant to be taken so seriously.



However, the scenario is erupting into a scandal resembling the uproar around the Sachsgate controversy, in which senior Radio 2 bosses cleared a broadcast featuring Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross leaving offensive message on the voicemail of the actor Andrew Sachs.

The situation resulted in Brand and Lesley Douglas, the then controller of Radio 2, leaving the BBC, while the corporation was fined £150,000 by Ofcom over the incident. Ross was suspended and later quit the BBC.

Last night, Clarkson issued a partial apology for his comments, saying: "I didn't for a moment intend these remarks to be taken seriously - as I believe is clear if they're seen in context.

"If the BBC and I have caused any offence, I'm quite happy to apologise for it alongside them."

He elaborated on the situation by telling The Sun: "I started by saying I supported the strikers. Obviously, because it's the BBC, I have to be impartial. So, then I said they should be shot.

"Most people who are complaining haven't seen the full interview. It's a knee-jerk reaction. I would urge UNISON to watch the whole interview and see if they're still offended afterwards."

Last night, the BBC issued a statement: "The One Show is a live topical programme which often reflects the day's talking points.

"Usually we get it right, but on this occasion we feel the item wasn't perfectly judged. The BBC and Jeremy would like to apologise for any offence caused."

A tongue-in-cheek statement from Downing Street added: "Execution is not government policy and we have no plans to make it government policy."