Lindsay Hoyle demands report from Met Police after Keir Starmer mobbing incident

Sir Lindsay Hoyle has warned MPs their “words have consequences” and demanded an explanation from the Metropolitan Police after a mob hounded Sir Keir Starmer near Parliament.

The Commons Speaker reiterated it was “inappropriate” for Boris Johnson to level a Jimmy Savile smear against Labour leader Sir Keir, warning such comments “only inflame opinions”.

Sir Keir was bundled into a police car for protection near Parliament on Monday as he faced allegations of “protecting paedophiles” from protesters shouting about Savile.

At least six Conservatives, including a former Cabinet minister, joined MPs from across the political spectrum in linking the harassment to the baseless claim which Mr Johnson made while under pressure over the partygate scandal.

The Prime Minister has so far resisted fresh demands to apologise.

Making a statement to MPs, Sir Lindsay criticised the “disgraceful behaviour” directed at Sir Keir and shadow foreign secretary David Lammy near Parliament.

He said: “I deplore the fact that members of this House were subjected to intimidating and threatening behaviour while simply doing their jobs.

“I know the whole House will join me in saying that we stand with our colleagues in condemning the behaviour they and the police experienced.

“While I do not comment in detail on security matters on the floor of the chamber, steps must be in place to keep passholders secure as they enter and leave the parliamentary estate.

“I have requested a situation report from the Metropolitan Police via our security team on how this incident occurred.”

Sir Lindsay added: “I know it has been reported that some abuse was directed at the Leader of the Opposition yesterday related to claims made by the Prime Minister in this chamber.

“But regardless of yesterday’s incident, I made it clear last week that while the Prime Minister’s words were not disorderly they were inappropriate.

“As I said then these sorts of comments only inflame opinions and generate disregard for the House and it is not acceptable.

“Our words have consequences and we should always be mindful of the fact.”