Boris Johnson “embodies the very worst of the wrongs in our society”, Aberdeen North MP Kirsty Blackman told the Commons as MPs continued to criticise the prime minister’s use of language in the Brexit debate.
Mr Johnson provoked a furious backlash on Wednesday after accusing MPs of “surrender” and “betrayal” and then suggesting the best way to “honour” the memory of murdered MP Jo Cox was to get behind his Brexit plans.
The anger was compounded yesterday when the prime minister failed to attend the Commons at the request of MPs to apologise for his remarks.
Instead, Mr Johnson appeared before a meeting of backbench Tories where he repeated the comments to thunderous applause.
His official spokesman, pressed by reporters yesterday, denied that Mr Johnson had done anything wrong.
He said: “The PM obviously made the broader point that he believes we need to get the issue of Brexit resolved because it was causing anxiety and ill-feeling in the country.
“The PM is very clear that whatever their views no MPs or anyone else in public life should face threats or intimidation. It’s completely unacceptable.”
SNP deputy Westminster leader Ms Blackman branded Mr Johnson’s behaviour “appalling”.
She said: “We’ve got in number 10 a man who has built his career on making inflammatory remarks, stoking division and shouting down those who disagree with him.
“The prime minister is not fit for office, his behaviour is an outrage and his government is treating people disgracefully. People want leadership and they want accountability.
“What should have happened on Wednesday, is that the prime minister should have come in front of this House and apologised for acting unlawfully, he should of held his hands up agreed he’s acted wrongly and pledged not to do it again
“Instead he chose to brazen it out, proving that he embodies the very worst of the wrongs in our society.”
Mrs Cox’s widower, Brendan Cox, yesterday said he felt “a bit sick” at the way her name was being used.
“The best way to honour Jo is for all of us (no matter our views) to stand up for what we believe in, passionately and with determination.
“But never to demonise the other side and always hold on to what we have in common,” he tweeted.
Despite Mr Johnson’s attacks, opposition parties again made clear they would not agree to an election until they were sure the threat of a no-deal Brexit on October 31 was off the table.
Downing Street said if opposition MPs did not take up the prime minister’s offer to table a no-confidence motion, the Government would take it as a mandate to press on with Brexit.
