Boris Johnson has been warned by the Commons speaker that “words have consequences” after a mob surrounded Sir Keir Starmer outside Parliament and heckled abuse, including slurs about Jimmy Savile.

       Condemning the “disgraceful behaviour” directed at the Labour leader, Sir Lindsay Hoyle reiterated his criticism of the prime minister, saying his remarks last week were “inappropriate” and “only inflame opinions”.

       And the Archbishop of Canterbury stepped into the row with a veiled rebuke to the prime minister, as he issued an appeal for those involved in political disputes to “learn to disagree well”.

       “When politicians are harassed and threatened it’s a threat not just to the MPs themselves, but to the health of our democracy,” said Justin Welby. “We must condemn it and stand united against it.

       “I continue to pray for all who work in politics, and for a culture where we can learn to disagree well.”

       Recommended Anti-vaxxers vow to continue targeting politicians after Keir Starmer mobbed PM warned over Savile jibe after Starmer mobbed – follow live Tory MPs accuse Boris Johnson of ‘Trumpian politics’ over Savile smear

       The interventions came after Monday’s incident reignited anger over Mr Johnson’s smear on 31 January, when he accused Sir Keir of “failing to prosecute Jimmy Savile” during a Commons debate.

       Senior Conservative MPs, including the former cabinet minister David Davis, also insisted that the prime minister must “apologise unreservedly”, “shoulder responsibility” and withdraw the false accusations.

       Updating MPs on Tuesday, Sir Lindsay also revealed he had requested a “situation report” from the Metropolitan Police over the incident, which saw officers rescue Sir Keir in a police car after protestors shouted “traitor”, “Jimmy Savile” and accused him of “protecting paedophiles”.

       Recommended Boris Johnson news – live: Starmer mob ‘not provoked’ by PM’s Savile remark as No 10 refuses to apologise Boris Johnson’s Savile slurs didn’t ‘incite’ or ‘provoke’ mob against Keir Starmer, minister claims

       Referring to the incident on Monday, the Commons speaker said: “I know it has been reported that some abuse was directed at the leader of the Opposition yesterday related to claims made by the Prime Minister in this chamber.

       “But regardless of yesterday’s incident, I made it clear last week that while the prime minister’s words were not disorderly they were inappropriate.”

       He added: “As I said then, these sorts of comments only inflame opinions and generate disregard for the House and it is not acceptable. Our words have consequences and we should always be mindful of the fact.”

       Downing Street later made clear that Mr Johnson would not apologise for his comments last week. His official spokesperson acknowledged his original words in the Commons were “capable of being misconstrued” which was why he subsequently issued a “clarification”.

       However, a snap poll by Savanta ComRes on Tuesday found that two thirds (68 per cent) of voters believed the prime minister should apologise for the Savile comments in the House of Commons.

       Despite a minister earlier claiming the prime minister did not “incite” the actions of protestors, the survey also found that 69 per cent believed he was responsible for the behaviour of protestors who harassed Sir Keir, including 54 per cent of 2019 Conservative voters.

       Sir Lindsay also told MPs: “I deplore the fact that members of this House were subjected to intimidating and threatening behaviour while simply doing their jobs.

       Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle in the House of Commons

       (PA Media)

       “I know the whole House will join me in saying that we stand with our colleagues in condemning the behaviour they and the police experienced.

       “While I do not comment in detail on security matters on the floor of the chamber, steps must be in place to keep pass holders secure as they enter and leave the parliamentary estate. I have requested a situation report from the Metropolitan Police via our security team on how this incident occurred.”

       After the incident, the prime minister made no reference to his previous comments in the House of Commons, but said: “The behaviour directed at the leader of the opposition tonight is absolutely disgraceful.

       “All forms of harassment of our elected representatives are completely unacceptable. I thank the police for responding swiftly.”