Boris Johnson says he was ‘model of restraint’ in language row
Prime minister rejects accusations he was dismissive of MP abuse
Boris Johnson says he has been “the model of restraint” in the language he has used in the Brexit debate.
The prime minister had been criticised for dismissing abuse concerns of a female MP as “humbug” during a Commons debate last week.
In an interview with the BBC, Johnson said there had been a “misunderstanding” over his response, and he only intended to reject the suggestion that he had inspired aggression.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The Labour MP Paula Sheriff said threats made against her and other MPs used “dangerous” language, referring to “surrender” and “betrayal”. She also drew a connection between the threats and the 2016 murder of Labour MP Jo Cox, to which Johnson said: “I've never heard such humbug in all my life.”
Johnson told the BBC that the threats were “deplorable”, but defended his own language, adding that he didn’t regret using the word “surrender” to describe the Benn Act, the law requiring him to ask the EU for a Brexit extension.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For more political analysis - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Get your first six issues free–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
He described using the word “surrender” as a “legitimate” and “tried and tested” metaphor, says Sky News.
“Military metaphors are old, standard, Parliamentary terms,” he said. “I think everybody should calm down.”
But Angela Rayner, Labour’s shadow education secretary, said Johnson sought to “inflame and divide our country”.
“To suggest in any way that we are surrendering and not wanting to do the best by our country is really damaging, especially as a direct strategy from Number 10. I think he should be utterly ashamed of himself,” she said.
“We have a responsibility as parliamentarians to dial down that language and act responsibly.”
Labour’s Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester, added that Johnson’s “take no prisoners” approach was “unnerving people” and said the Conservative party conference - which started on Sunday - “needs to be a turning point”.
The Jo Cox Foundation, established in memory of the murdered MP, has asked political parties to create a code of conduct in order to help protect MPs.
Boris Johnson had suggested that the best way to honour Cox, who campaigned to remain in the EU, was to “get Brexit done”, says the BBC.
Her husband, Brendan Cox, has said he was “shocked” by the language used in the debate.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Is David Cameron overshadowing Rishi Sunak?
Talking Point Current PM faces 'thorny dilemma' as predecessor enjoys return to world stage
By The Week UK Published
-
Will Aukus pact survive a second Trump presidency?
Today's Big Question US, UK and Australia seek to expand 'game-changer' defence partnership ahead of Republican's possible return to White House
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Can Boris Johnson save Rishi Sunak?
Today's Big Question Former PM could 'make the difference' between losing the next election and annihilation
By The Week UK Published
-
It's the economy, Sunak: has 'Rishession' halted Tory fightback?
Today's Big Question PM's pledge to deliver economic growth is 'in tatters' as stagnation and falling living standards threaten Tory election wipeout
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Stormont power-sharing in sight: 'good news' for Northern Ireland?
Talking Point Unionists vote to end two-year boycott after agreeing legislative package to address post-Brexit trading arrangements
By The Week UK Published
-
Why your local council may be going bust
The Explainer Across England, local councils are suffering from grave financial problems
By The Week UK Published
-
Rishi Sunak and the right-wing press: heading for divorce?
Talking Point The Telegraph launches 'assault' on PM just as many Tory MPs are contemplating losing their seats
By Keumars Afifi-Sabet, The Week UK Published
-
How would a second Trump presidency affect Britain?
Today's Big Question Re-election of Republican frontrunner could threaten UK security, warns former head of secret service
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published