A Labour frontbencher is facing calls to resign after he reportedly claimed Conservatives have “conspired to murder” Brits.
Lloyd Russell-Moyle, the shadow environment minister, made the comments to party supporters during last year’s general election campaign, according to the Mail on Sunday.
“I do not think it is an exaggeration when we say the Conservatives have conspired to murder and let die British citizens,” he reportedly said. “That is what they have done and that is what they will continue to do.”
The tirade, made on a video seen by the Mail on Sunday, also reportedly saw the Brighton Kemptown MP vow to “rout out” Tories in his constituency, adding: “We know where they live.”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is now under pressure to sack the pro-Corbyn MP.
A spokesperson for Sir Keir said: “These comments are unacceptable and Lloyd will be spoken to about them. We need to draw a line under this type of behaviour and have a more respectful debate.”
Labour MP for Bermondsey Neil Coyle called Mr Russell-Moyle to quit. “'The use of extreme language was partly what put so many voters off supporting Labour in December," he said.
"Accusations of murder or conspiracy should not be used to try to stir up hatred and division."
Tory MP Jonathan Gullis called the remarks “disgusting”, tweeting: "It’s time to step up and sack Lloyd Russell-Moyle now Sir @Keir_Starmer.
“This hard left Corbynism to “rout out” Conservatives has meant I have had death threats and emails to previous employers demanding I’m sacked for simply being a Conservative and teacher.”
Mr Rusell-Moyle, who entered Parliament in 2017, also provoked outcry last year when he seized the maice - the symbol of the Queen’s authority - from the Commons in a protest against Brexit.
The Standard could not reach Mr Russell-Moyle for comment.
