BORIS JOHNSON was pressured to say “black lives matter” today as he was challenged in the Commons over his silence on the uprising in the United States.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he was surprised that the PM had not mentioned the death of George Floyd more than a week after his killing.

Mr Starmer said he hoped the PM would raise it with President Donald Trump when they next speak and “convey the UK’s abhorrence” of Mr Trump’s response.

Mr Johnson said that Mr Floyd’s killing was “appalling and inexcusable,” but he did not comment on any discussions with Mr Trump. 

The SNP’s Westminster leader Ian Blackford condemned the government for having “skirted over” the death of Mr Floyd and pressed Mr Johnson to say “black lives matter.”

The PM said that “of course” black lives matter and that he understoods the anger and grief being felt around the world.

Mr Blackford also asked about Britain’s exports of tear gas and rubber bullets to the US, questioning whether Mr Johnson would urgently review the situation.

Mr Johnson said he was “happy to look into” any complaints, adding that Britain was “possibly the most scrupulous country in this respect in the world.”

Labour MP Fleur Anderson followed up on the issue, saying: “Will the PM condemn the actions of the [US] police, will he freeze the sale of tear gas and rubber bullets?” 

Mr Johnson responded: “I certainly condemn the killing of George Floyd and we will certainly make sure that everything we export to any country around the world is in accordance with the consolidated guidance on human rights.”