Lib Dems table motion to allow MPs to call out Johnson’s lies in Parliament

The Liberal Democrats have tabled a motion to allow MPs to point out when the Prime Minister makes misleading statements, without being thrown out of the Commons.   The motion, tabled by Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey, would amend Parliament’s standing orders to allow MPs to say in the Commons Chamber why they believe “the Prime Minister has misled the House.” Under current rules, doing this would be deemed as “grossly disorderly conduct” which would lead to the Speaker having no choice but to evict an MP from the chamber.   The Liberal Democrats are calling on Conservative MPs and opposition parties to back the change, so that Boris Johnson can be held to account for his lies and “Trumpian” behaviour.   It comes after Boris Johnson has repeatedly made misleading statements in Parliament. These include his unfounded slur against Keir Starmer on Jimmy Savile, and his false claim that figures show crime has fallen which was rebuked by the statistics watchdog following a complaint by the Liberal Democrats.   Under the ministerial code, ministers who inadvertently mislead Parliament should correct the record, while those who intentionally do so should resign. However, Boris Johnson has so far refused to correct the record after making misleading statements, showing the current rules are not being properly enforced.   Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey MP said:   “Boris Johnson has repeatedly lied, refused to apologise and failed to retract his damaging claims. It can’t be right that he can get away with these blatant false claims while any MPs who challenge him are punished.   “We need to update Parliament’s rules to reflect a Prime Minister who has made lying at the despatch box a lifestyle choice. MPs must be able to call out Boris Johnson and hold him to account.   “Conservative MPs should back this change and stand up to Boris Johnson’s Trumpian behaviour that is dragging our politics through the mud. Every day that Johnson’s lies and misinformation goes unchallenged will do more damage to trust in our politics.”