Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Footage from the House of Commons appears to show an MP swearing at the mention of broadcaster Charlie Brooker during a parliamentary debate.
Mr Brooker's name was mentioned by Labour MP Rupa Huq, who asked a question about ending a ban on satire about Parliament.
An MP yelling off-screen while Ms Huq asks her question appears to swear at the mention of the comedian.
Though the Independent has isolated the audio in the video above, exactly what the MP says is still unclear.
The off-screen MP may shout "he's a f***ing w****r" - but other possibilities include "f***ing Labour", or "he's your f***ing neighbour".
Any of these possibilities would constitute unparliamentary language.
Ms Huq is sister of former Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq, who is married to Mr Brooker.
He has previously campaigned on lifting the ban on satire using footage from parliament, and also lives in Ms Huq’s constituency.
“Could we have a statement on the uses of broadcast footage of the House of Commons?” Ms Huq asked Conservative Leader of the House Chris Grayling.
“My constituent Charlie Brooker has raised with me that he … is unable to use it in his programme, Screenwipe – whereas other not dissimilar broadcasts are allowed to us it.
“It depends whether it’s satire, light entertainment, or factual. Given how vague these boundaries are and the fact that these rules were dreamed up some 27 years ago would he agree with me it’s a good juncture to revisit this and give a statement?”
Mr Grayling said he did not support lifting the ban on satire.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments