Pablo wrote:Master of political invective in modern times is the Beast of Bolsover. He once said in Parliament ‘half that lot opposite are crooks.’ Upon being rebuked by the Speaker, he said ‘I apologise Mr Speaker. Half that lot opposite are not crooks.’
Indeed, very Skinner. Sadly, it seems he didn't say it. It's a variant of an older joke. Skinner did say: 'the Liberal spokesman was not there [in committee] half the time.' On being asked to withdraw it, he replied 'Will he settle for my agreeing that he was there the other half?'