BORIS JOHNSON was challenged to visit former mining villages and repeat his “joke” about the devastation of the coal pit closures programme today, following his disastrous visit to Scotland this week.

Speaking to reporters during a wind farm visit on Thursday, the Prime Minister claimed that Margaret Thatcher gave Britain a “big early start” in the fight against climate change when she closed coal mines around the country.

Mr Johnson was heavily criticised for the comment, which came after he was asked whether he would set a deadline for ending fossil fuel extraction as a row continues over a proposed oil and gas development in the North Sea.

Former MSP Neil Findlay, who campaigned for miners’ pardons in Holyrood, told the Morning Star that Mr Johnson would be welcome to repeat his “fucking hilarious” comedy routine in his local miners’ welfare club. 

“He would be lucky to get out alive, the cretin,” Mr Findlay said.

“He and his ilk did not give a damn about the disastrous consequences of their vindictive attack on mining communities, with all the appalling consequences that brought.”

Green MSP Gillian Mackay said: “Thatcher’s decimation of the coal industry had absolutely nothing to do with environmentalism and everything to do with her despicable anti-trade union ideology.

“It’s no surprise that Boris Johnson eulogises Thatcher, but we must ensure his government doesn’t repeat her actions as Scotland begins to transition from oil and gas to our renewables future.”

Owen Thompson, SNP MP for Midlothian, has written to the PM asking him to visit Scotland’s National Mining Museum and former miners and their families, so he can apologise in person and see for himself the devastation that was caused by Thatcher’s industrial policies.

Both Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the Tory leader should apologise for his “joke.” 

National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) general secretary Chris Kitchen issued a furious response.

Mr Kitchen, who took part in the 1984-5 miners’ strike as an 18-year-old mineworker at Kellingley Colliery, said: “Johnson’s comments are an insult to every former mineworker and mining community that suffered as a result of Thatcher’s vindictive vendetta against the industry and against the NUM. 

“For us it was a devastating time. Some communities and families have still not recovered — and he makes jokes about it.”

At the time of the miners’ strike there were about 200 deep coal mines and more than 180,000 mineworkers in the UK. Today there are no deep coal mines left, with the last closing in December 2015.

“His comments disgrace the office of Prime Minister,” Mr Kitchen added.

Mr Johnson’s spokesman said he recognises the “huge impact and pain” caused by the closure of coal mines, but did not offer an apology.