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Former Labour leader Lord Kinnock has apologised for an “off-the-cuff comment” about disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein after facing a furious backlash on social media.

The Welsh politician apologised hours after Environment Secretary Michael Gove also issued an apology following an interview with Radio 4 presenter John Humphrys on the Today programme.

Lord Kinnock and Mr Gove were being interviewed by Mr Humphrys in front of a live audience for the 60th anniversary edition of BBC Radio 4’s flagship programme.

(Image: Rick Findler/PA Wire)

Asked what it was like appearing on the programme, Mr Gove replied: “Sometimes I think going into the studio with you John is a bit like going into Harvey Weinstein’s bedroom. You just pray you emerge with your dignity intact.”

Labour Lord Kinnock then joined in, saying: “John goes way past groping. Way past groping.”

In a statement the former MP for Bedwellty and Islwyn said: “In an off-the-cuff comment I made light of Mr Gove’s remark on a live programme.

“Apologies if that caused offence – I certainly do not treat the recent allegations as anything but grave and repellent.”

In a tweet Mr Gove described his comments as a “clumsy attempt at humour”.

He said: “Apologies for my clumsy attempt at humour on R4 Today this morning – it wasn’t appropriate. I’m sorry and apologise unreservedly.”

The comments were greeted with laughter and some clapping from some members of the audience in London’s Wigmore Hall.

(Image: Invision)

But listeners took to Twitter to condemn the politicians for their remarks, including Labour MP Jess Phillips, who wrote: “Michael Gove just left the studio without his dignity.”

Labour MP Stella Creasy noted that a similar attempt at humour by comedian James Corden had also backfired, adding: “Gove joking about sexual assault just as crass too.”

Former Labour minister Lord Adonis said: “Seriously inappropriate ‘joke’ sums up a discreditable episode of @BBCr4today self-congratulation.”

Shadow education secretary Angela Rayner said Mr Gove was “not funny” adding: “Given current sensitivities (it) is beyond poor judgement – it’s crass.”

Singer Lily Allen called the Environment Secretary a “bonehead” while actor Stephen Mangan wrote: “Morning. Here’s a rape joke from Michael Gove to start your day.”

Others called for Lord Kinnock to apologise, with one listener writing: “Sexual violence is no punchline”.

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Radio 2 presenter Jeremy Vine tweeted: “Neil Kinnock’s reaction to the Harvey Weinstein joke by Michael Gove is the strangest thing about it.”

The row erupted at a time when the conduct of MPs is under intense scrutiny in the wake of the allegations about Weinstein, who is accused of harassing and assaulting dozens of women. He denies claims of non-consensual sex.

It has been reported at least four MPs have been the subject of sexual misconduct allegations while Labour backbencher Jared O’Mara has had the party whip suspended over a series of misogynistic and homophobic online postings.

The Sheffield Hallam MP has also been accused of calling a constituent an “ugly bitch” – a claim which he denies.