Boris Johnson’s tweet after Starmer mob harassment slammed as ‘most cynical ever’

Johnson condemns attack that used his very own insult

Boris Johnson has labelled the mob harassment of Keir Starmer as "absolutely disgraceful" despite advancing a Jimmy Savile conspiracy theory in the House of Commons last week. https://twitter.com/PoliticsJOE_UK/status/1490754883724713987 After Sir Keir Starmer was mobbed by protestors outside Parliament last night (Monday), MPs took to Twitter to share their outrage. In all his eternal wisdom, Our Prime Minister said: "The behaviour directed at the Leader of the Opposition tonight is absolutely disgraceful. All forms of harassment of our elected representatives are completely unacceptable. https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson/status/1490773801096953862 "I thank the police for responding swiftly." During PMQs last Wednesday, the Prime Minister falsely claimed Starmer "used his time [as Director of public prosecutions] prosecuting journalists and failing to prosecute Jimmy Savile, as far as I can see." Starmer described the claim as a "ridiculous slur peddled by right-wing trolls." https://twitter.com/JayMitchinson/status/1490785639218008070   While many Tory MP's believe the slander was "completely reasonable", most other people have condemned the comments. https://twitter.com/MarinaPurkiss/status/1490812191368527872 Johnson's tweet has since received thousands of quote tweets and even more comments. "This wasn't "all forms of harassment," though. It was harassment incited by YOU," tweeted author Joanne Harris. Labour MP Chris Bryant scathed: "This is probably the most cynical tweet from the prime minister yet." https://twitter.com/domjoly/status/1490796433892679689 Author Emma Kennedy wrote "It's your fault", while the Shadow Secretary of State, Louise Haigh, said: "Correct first sentence. Think the second sentence you were looking for was 'I'm sorry'."

Read more: Did Keir Starmer hinder the Jimmy Saville investigation?

SNP's Angus Robertson said: "Where's the apology and retraction of the smear? This appalling state of affairs is the direct responsibility of the Prime Minister, and cynically indulged and tolerated by the majority of Conservative Party MPs. This is dangerous territory for democracy." https://twitter.com/NadiaWhittomeMP/status/1490762526392475653 Meanwhile, Nadia Whittome MP tweeted: "When the Prime Minister repeats a far-right conspiracy theory, this has real life consequences. Today Keir Starmer was mobbed by a group shouting "Jimmy Saville", "traitor" and "you should be hung". "Just appalling."

Related links

• 'Partygate' PM regards the Queen's 'unwavering dedication to this nation'
• Johnson's Jimmy Savile comments were 'perfectly reasonable', says Minister
• Speaker rebukes Boris Johnson for parroting far-right conspiracy theory