Old Labour is still alive. Just.

It survives in the form of the veteran left-winger Dennis Skinner.

As MPs tiptoed round the problems of the troubled Longbridge car plant during trade questions, Mr Skinner had a blunt suggestion.

He mentioned the 'N' - word. Nationalisation.

Dennis Skinner's solution for Longbridge - nationalise it

Jabbing his finger at the ultra Blairite Trade Secretary Stephen Byers sitting just a few feet from him, Mr Skinner told him not to let himself be pushed around by the German owners of Longbridge.

"If BMW start throwing their weight about," he bellowed at Mr Byers, "why not tell them that we'll take it back and run it for the public benefit".

Silence. Such sentiments are not encouraged in New Labour. In fact they're a very good way of ending your political career.

Mr Byers could not have looked more aghast.

"I have to say that's not one of the options presently being considered," observed Mr Byers dryly. Around him new Labour loyalists giggled appreciatively.

Mr Skinner folded his arms and stared contemptuously back.

The two men could not be more different.

Mr Byers is smooth, smartly dressed in a crisp dark suit and seemingly unflappable. He looks like - and strives to look like - an aspiring chief executive.