Boris Johnson slammed for Libya 'dead bodies' comment

Boris Johnson has been slapped down by a senior Cabinet colleague after saying a Libyan city could become the next Dubai once it had cleared the dead bodies away.

Boris Johnson slammed for Libya 'dead bodies' comment

Boris Johnson has been slapped down by a senior Cabinet colleague after saying a Libyan city could become the next Dubai once it had cleared the dead bodies away.

The Foreign Secretary is facing calls that he should be sacked over the comments on the fringes of the Conservative Party conference in Manchester.

Damian Green, the de facto deputy prime minister, rebuked his Cabinet colleague.

He told Sky News: "Everyone, including Boris, needs to be careful in their use of language."

Mr Johnson defended his comments, saying: "Shame people with no knowledge or understanding of Libya want to play politics with the appallingly dangerous reality in Sirte.

"The reality there is that the clearing of corpses of Daesh fighters has been made much more difficult by IEDs (improvised explosive devices) and booby traps.

"That's why Britain is playing a key role in reconstruction and why I have visited Libya twice this year in support."

Conservative MP Sarah Wollaston said: "Demeaning jokes about real people murdered in Libya would be crass even from a stand up; appalled to hear this from our Foreign Secretary."

more courts articles

Stephen Bear ordered to pay back profits from sharing private sex tape Stephen Bear ordered to pay back profits from sharing private sex tape
Gary Glitter victim seeking six-figure sum in damages, court told Gary Glitter victim seeking six-figure sum in damages, court told
Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother

More in this section

Russia launches barrage of drones and missiles on Ukraine’s energy system Russia launches barrage of drones and missiles on Ukraine’s energy system
Syria Israel Attack Israeli strikes on Syria kill dozens, security sources say
Five dead and more than 100 in hospital in Japanese health supplements scare Five dead and more than 100 in hospital in Japanese health supplements scare
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited