Jeremy Corbyn forced to admit he does not watch Queen's Christmas speech

Jeremy Corbyn was made to squirm as he was forced to admit he does not watch the Queen’s Christmas Day message.

In an interview with ITV’s Julie Etchingham, which will air at 7.30pm tomorrow, the Labour leader was asked if he sits down with family to watch the monarch’s traditional 3pm broadcast.

The Labour leader said he does not watch much TV on Christmas Day and spends it with loved ones.

He said in the interview: “There is lots... lots to do... I enjoy the presence of my family and friends around Christmas.

“Obviously, like everybody else does.

“And I also visit the homeless shelter, either on Christmas Day, or the day before, to talk to, and listen to people’s lives, about how they could be made better with a government that cared for them.”

Jeremy Corbyn looked embarrassed when he got the time of the Queen's Christmas message wrong. (ITV)
Jeremy Corbyn looked embarrassed when he got the time of the Queen's Christmas message wrong. (ITV)

When asked if he watches the broadcast, he said: “It's on the morning, usually we have it on.”

When Ms Etchingham tells him the speech is aired at 3pm, he added: “We don't watch television very much on Christmas Day.”

Mr Corbyn is a republican and previously said the monarchy should be re-examined after the Queen’s reign ends.

Abolishing the monarchy is not official Labour policy, but his stance does not put him at odds with the membership.

More than 60 per cent of Labour members want to bring the monarchy to an end, a YouGov poll found earlier this year.

In light of the Prince Andrew scandal, he has also suggested the size of the Royal Family should be reduced.

During an ITV debate last month he said the monarchy “needs a bit of improvement”.

The Labour leader is not the only person who chose to do something else than watch the Queen’s message.

Last year, reports said the speech was seen by a combined audience of 6.3 million, down from 7.6 million the year before.

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