David Cameron enters the fray over Jeremy Clarkson strike comments

DAVID Cameron said today that his friend Jeremy Clarkson’s call for strikers to be shot was “silly”, as a row over the Top Gear presenter’s latest controversial comments intensified.

The Prime Minister said he was sure Mr Clarkson had “not meant” to say that public sector workers should be gunned down in front of their families.

Mr Clarkson made the remark during an appearance on the BBC’s One Show last night.

Speaking on ITV’s This Morning programme, Mr Cameron said: “It was obviously a silly thing to say and I am sure he didn’t mean that.

“I didn’t see the remark but I’m sure... it’s a silly thing to say.”

Mr Cameron’s TV appearance came as a leading union announced that it is taking urgent legal advice over Mr Clarkson’s comments.

Unison, which represents more than a million public sector workers, called on the BBC to sack Mr Clarkson

The union said it was considering whether the comments should be referred to the police.

Dave Prentis, general secretary of Unison, said: “Clarkson’s comments on the One Show were totally outrageous, and they cannot be tolerated. We are seeking urgent legal advice about what further action we can take against him and the BBC, and whether or not his comments should be referred to the police.

“Public sector workers and their families are utterly shocked by Jeremy Clarkson’s revolting comments. We know that many other licence fee-payers share our concerns about his outrageous views.

“The One Show is broadcast at a time when children are watching - they could have been scared and upset by his aggressive statements. An apology is not enough - we are calling on the BBC to sack Jeremy Clarkson immediately. Such disgusting statements have no place on our TV screens.

“Jeremy Clarkson clearly needs a reminder of just who he is talking about when he calls for public sector workers to be shot in front of their families. Whilst he is driving round in fast cars for a living, public sector workers are busy holding our society together - they save others’ lives on a daily basis, they care for the sick, the vulnerable, the elderly.

“They wipe bottoms, noses, they help children to learn, and empty bins. They deserve all our thanks - certainly not the unbelievable level of abuse he threw at them.”