PM 'model of restraint' amid Parliament language row

Boris Johnson says he has been "a model of restraint" when it comes to language around the Brexit debate.

The PM was accused of dismissing abuse fears of female MPs as "humbug" during a heated Commons debate this week.

Mr Johnson said there had been a "misunderstanding" over his intention - which he apologised for.

But he claimed there was a "cloud of indignation" around the use of terms like "surrender" to distract from MPs' desire to frustrate Brexit.

Labour's Angela Rayner said Mr Johnson should be "absolutely, utterly ashamed of himself".

The shadow education secretary said the PM had "a direct strategy to divide our country", which she called "really damaging", but added that MPs on both sides of the Commons needed to "dial down that language and act responsibly".

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Mr Johnson spoke to the BBC's Andrew Marr ahead of the start of the Conservative Party conference in Manchester.

The annual gathering follows a turbulent week for the PM - facing stormy scenes in Westminster after a ruling by the Supreme Court that his suspension of Parliament was unlawful.

Rows later broke out over Mr Johnson's Commons conduct - and that of his Attorney General Geoffrey Cox - and questions are also continuing over his links with US businesswoman Jennifer Arcuri.

But he will use the conference to try to focus on delivering Brexit and making funding promises for public services.

On the opening day, ministers have promised to spend billions on hospital projects across England in the next decade.

But opposition MPs back in London could stage a no-confidence vote in the government some time this week.

No 10 failed to secure a recess for the conference, meaning Tory MPs could face travelling between Manchester and Westminster for crucial votes while it takes place.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is also expected to bring opposition leaders together at a meeting on Monday to plan their next steps to avert a no-deal Brexit.

Mr Corbyn has said he would be ready to become a caretaker PM if Mr Johnson was forced from No 10.

Greater Manchester Police said they were expecting tens of thousands of protesters to attend two rallies on Sunday against Brexit and austerity.

A small number of demonstrators also gathered outside the conference venue on Saturday night when Mr Johnson arrived with his partner, Carrie Symonds.

Speaking to Andrew Marr, Mr Johnson defended his decision to repeatedly refer to the Benn Act - which is designed to force the PM to seek an extension rather than lead the country into a no-deal Brexit - as "the surrender bill".

Last week, Labour's Paula Sheriff said threats made to her and other MPs often quoted his "dangerous" language of "surrender" and "betrayal".

She also referred to the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox in 2016, but Mr Johnson replied: "I've never heard such humbug in all my life."