Tory MP makes reference to killing women moments after Bercow called for end to 'toxic' language

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A Conservative MP made a reference to murdering women in the chamber of the House of Commons just moments after Speaker John Bercow called for an end to “toxic” language in debate. And attorney general Geoffrey Cox was forced to apologise after describing a question during debate as like being asked “when did you stop beating your wife?” During debate on a bill designed to force Mr Johnson to seek an extension to Brexit talks if he cannot get a deal, Conservative MP Sir Edward Leigh said: “The difficulty we face is that most laws are relatively easy of interpretation, because they prevent you doing something, rather than make you do something. “They prevent you murdering your wife, they don’t make you love your wife.” The Gainsborough MP's comment came less than half an hour after Mr Bercow’s impassioned plea to MPs to moderate their language. Related video: Supreme Court rules the prime minister’s decision to prorogue parliament was unlawful Mr Bercow asked MPs to "lower the decibel level and to try to treat each other as opponents, not as enemies".