UK PM attacked over MP 'dinosaur' jibe

London, Jan.19 (ANI): Prime Minister David Cameron has been accused of ageism after branding a veteran Labour MP a "dinosaur".

He told Dennis Skinner people should not visit the Natural History Museum to see the ancient beasts, but "come to the House of Commons" instead.

According to the BBC, Skinner, who has often confronted Cameron, gave a shrug, but fellow Labour MP Paul Flynn called the comments "completely unacceptable".

Former Deputy PM Lord Prescott also defended his colleague, an ex-flat mate.

The exchanges came during prime minister's questions, where left-winger Skinner asked whether Cameron would appear before Lord Justice Leveson's inquiry into media standards, given that he had once employed former News of the World editor Andy Coulson as a press adviser.

Cameron replied that he would be "delighted" to do so, and added: "It's good to see the honourable gentleman on such good form.

"I often say to my children 'No need to go to the Natural History Museum to see a dinosaur, come to the House of Commons at about half past twelve'."

Flynn later raised a point of order, asking if it was appropriate for MPs - including 79-year-old Skinner - to be criticised on the basis of their age.

Skinner, an MP since 1970, celebrates his 80th birthday next month.(ANI)