Firebrand strike leader Mick Lynch becomes a television personality

Head of the railway union Mick Lynch became the subject of a joke on the BBC’s Have I Got News For You when he appeared as a debater and was mocked for bringing the country to a standstill.

Friday night’s show featured the general secretary of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, who was invited after becoming a media star thanks to his many television and radio interviews an explanation of why the strike is taking place.

In a trailer for the pre-recorded show, Mr Lynch became the subject of one joke about queuing to see the late Queen repose.

Presenter Richard Ayoade told the panel, which had Holly Willoughby and Philip Schofield queuing up with the public, that it would boost the numbers, which had fallen below record numbers.

Ian Heslop chimed in and said: “No, they were slightly off.”

Asked why the numbers weren’t as high as they estimated, Roisin Conaty said it was down to “the internet” and “people having other things to do like watching TV”.

Paul Merton, who sits next to Mr Lynch on the satirical show, said: “Ironically, a live broadcast.”

Mr Ayoade continued: “On previous occasions, people traveled to London from all parts of the country, but nowadays it’s a lot harder to travel, isn’t it?”

The joke left Mr Lynch, who wore an RMT lapel on the BBC show, squirming in his seat. He did not respond when the audience laughed.