Dominic Cummings 'not surprised' voters are angry at MPs
26 September 2019, 22:01
Boris Johnson's key adviser has said the only way to stop abuse and threats towards MPs would be for them to "respect" the result of the Brexit referendum.
The prime minister's right-hand man was speaking at a book launch of British financier, political activist and Brexit-supporter Stuart Wheeler.
His comments follow accusations that Boris Johnson's language in the House of Commons on Wednesday were "inflammatory" and "incite violence".
Mr Johnson refused to apologise for calling the Benn Bill the "surrender bill" and was criticised for saying the best way to honour murdered MP Jo Cox would be "to get Brexit done".
Jeremy Corbyn said the prime minister's language encouraged people to behave in a "disgraceful and abusive way".
Mr Cummings was asked whether MPs have themselves to blame for the abuse they receive from the public.
He replied: "The MPs said we will have a referendum, we will respect the result and then they spent three years swerving all over the shop.
"It is not surprising some people are angry about it. I find it very odd that these characters are complaining that people are unhappy about their behaviour now and they also say they want a referendum."
The Vote Leave campaign director asked what politicians expect when, prior to the referendum, they repeatedly claim they will "respect the result of a democratic vote" and then after say they will not.
He added: "In the end the situation can only be resolved by Parliament honouring its promise to respect the result."
Mr Cummings said both the Leave and the Remain campaigns were guilty of "serious threats" of violence that must be taken seriously.
When asked about the prime minister's multiple defeats in the House of Commons and the ruling in the Supreme Court, he refused to accept No 10 was in trouble.
He said: "We are not under pressure, the referendum was pressure. The referendum was difficult.
"This is a walk in the park compared to the referendum, we are enjoying this, we are going to leave and we are going to win."
