This archive report was first published on 26 September 2019.
On September 25, 2019, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson faced intense criticism from lawmakers in Parliament over his divisive rhetoric on Brexit.
Following a Supreme Court ruling that his efforts to sideline lawmakers were unlawful, Johnson was dragged back to Parliament for an unexpected sitting.
Female lawmakers, including Paula Sherriff and Tracy Brabin, pleaded with Johnson to soften his tone, citing concerns for their safety in the face of escalating hostility and violence in British politics.
Johnson, however, dug in, suggesting that recalcitrant lawmakers had only themselves to blame for the climate of hostility.
When Labour lawmaker Paula Sherriff spoke of receiving death threats that quoted Johnson's words, he responded with disdain, saying, "I've never heard such humbug in all my life."
Tracy Brabin, another Labour lawmaker, also spoke out, referencing the murder of Jo Cox, a Labour MP who was killed in 2016 by a man shouting "Britain first."
Johnson's response was to repeat his accusations, calling lawmakers' efforts to stop him from pulling Britain out of the EU without a deal an act of "surrender" and "capitulation."
He also stated, "The best way to honor the memory of Jo Cox and indeed the best way to bring this country together would be, I think, to get Brexit done," a statement met with widespread skepticism.
