PMQS: Boris Johnson under fire for ‘jabber’ comment during rape convictions exchange

Boris Johnson should apologise for describing Sir Keir Starmer’s questions as “jabber” during an exchange about rape convictions, Labour has said.

The Prime Minister used what appeared to be a pre-prepared pay-off line during Wednesday’s Prime Minister’s Questions, saying: “They jabber, we jab.”

However, Labour’s Jess Phillips hit back saying the phrase was “disgraceful”. The shadow minister for domestic violence said: “For the PM to describe questions about rape convictions as ‘jabber’ is disgraceful.

“But this is the man who once said investigating child sexual abuse was ‘spaffing money up the wall’ - he simply doesn’t care about tackling sexual violence. He should apologise for his comments and his government’s appalling record.”

During PMQs Mr Johnson apologised to rape victims for the trauma and delays they have faced in securing justice but took aim at Labour at the end of the exchange, saying: “We are getting on with the job. They jabber, we jab. They dither, we deliver. They vacillate, we vaccinate.”

It came amid Sir Keir Starmer’s repeated questions about low conviction rates for rape cases in England and Wales.

It follows a major review of the justice system’s approach to such offences which led to Justice Secretary Robert Buckland also issuing an apology. Ministers have set out plans for a “system and culture change”.

Sir Keir warned that victims of rape are being "failed" and told MPs that 98.4 per cent of cases do not result in a charge, a figure he labelled "appalling".

Sir Keir highlighted Mr Buckland’s apology, adding: "I note the Prime Minister hasn’t done that today. It’s time he did, that he took some responsibility and backed it up with action. Will he do so?"

Mr Johnson said he had "fought" for tougher action against rapists and sexual offenders throughout his time as mayor, adding: "Of course, to all the victims of rape and sexual violence, all the victims and survivors, of course I say sorry for the trauma they have been through, the frustration that they go through because of the inadequacies of the criminal justice system.”

He said they were investing another £1 billion in clearing the court backlogs, adding: "We’re getting on with the job - they jabber, we jab. They dither and we deliver. They vacillate and we vaccinate."

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