The British politician who branded Donald Trump ‘racist and sexist’ and said he should be banned from addressing the British parliament during his state visit this year is in danger of losing his job.
John Bercow, the Speaker of the House of Commons, has generated so much anger among some British politicians that he is in effect facing calls to quit after a Conservative MP, James Duddridge, tabled a parliamentary motion of no confidence in him.
Such a move against a sitting Speaker is rare in British politics but Duddrudge predicted Bercow could be “dead in the water” within days because so many MPs believe he overstepped the mark.
Bercow’s remarks – made to MPs in the Commons chamber on Monday – triggered a constitutional row in the UK. In Britain, the Speaker is supposed to be politically neutral at all times but Bercow’s unprecedented intervention has embarrassed the British prime minister, Theresa May and, some believe, risks damaging future US-UK relations.
Many world leaders who visit the UK are granted the honour of addressing members of the House of Commons and House of Lords in Westminster Hall, the oldest part of the Palace of Westminster dating back to 1097. However, Trump’s itinerary has not yet been confirmed, so it has never been known whether he will do this.
But Bercow – who is well known for his attention-seeking behaviour – pre-empted the possibility of a Trump speech in Westminster Hall by saying he would oppose it because he objected to his travel ban.
Bercow said: ‘Before the imposition of the migrant ban I would myself have been strongly opposed to an address by Mr Trump in Westminster Hall. After the imposition of the migrant ban by President Trump I am even more strongly opposed to an address by President Trump in Westminster Hall.’
He added: ‘We value our relationship with the US … However, as far as this place is concerned, I feel very strongly that our opposition to racism, and to sexism, and our support for equality before the law and an independent judiciary are important considerations in the House of Commons.’
James Duddridge said Bercow may soon realise his position is “untenable”.
