LONDON, April 28 (Reuters) – British Prime Minister Boris Johnson denied on Wednesday media reports that he had said he would rather bodies piled “high in their thousands” than order a third coronavirus lockdown.

Asked by opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer whether he made the comments, Johnson told parliament: “No,” and called on Starmer to substantiate the allegations.

He has earlier denied saying the words reported by several media organisations.

Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge and Kate Holton, writing by Elizabeth Piper. Editing by Andrew MacAskill

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.