Boris Johnson has denied reports that he said he would rather see 'bodies pile high' than impose a third lockdown. The prime minister faced questions from Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer during a stormy Prime Minister's Questions session.
Sir Keir asked: 'Did he make those remarks, or remarks to that effect?' Mr Johnson replied 'no' and challenged the Labour leader to 'substantiate' the allegations. The prime minister acknowledged that last October involved 'very bitter, very difficult' decisions about lockdowns, which he described as 'appalling things to have to do'.
The Labour leader reminded Mr Johnson of the ministerial code, which states that ministers who knowingly mislead Parliament should resign. Sir Keir warned he would return to the issue. SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford then accused the prime minister of making 'utterly, utterly sickening' remarks, claiming people were 'willing to go under oath' confirming the words were said.
Mr Johnson challenged Mr Blackford to produce the person who claims to have heard the remark, adding: 'I rather doubt it because I didn't say those words.' He emphasised that he did everything possible to protect the public from both lockdowns and disease. The comments were first reported by the Daily Mail and verified by the BBC through sources.
