Donald Trump should not be allowed to speak in UK parliament, says Speaker
Government sources describe John Bercow’s comments about US president as ‘hugely political and out of line’
Donald Trump would not be welcome to address parliament during his state visit, the Commons Speaker, John Bercow, has said in an unprecedented intervention that drew applause and cheers from MPs.
Bercow, whose role is non-political, said he could not block a state visit by the US president but would use his role as one of the three “key-holders” of Westminster Hall to prevent the Republican from addressing MPs and peers.
He said he had been particularly persuaded by what he termed Trump’s “migrant ban”, the executive order signed during the president’s first fortnight that sought to prevent nationals from seven Muslim-majority countries entering the US, including refugees.
Government sources describe John Bercow’s comments about US president as ‘hugely political and out of line’
Donald Trump would not be welcome to address parliament during his state visit, the Commons Speaker, John Bercow, has said in an unprecedented intervention that drew applause and cheers from MPs.
Bercow, whose role is non-political, said he could not block a state visit by the US president but would use his role as one of the three “key-holders” of Westminster Hall to prevent the Republican from addressing MPs and peers.
He said he had been particularly persuaded by what he termed Trump’s “migrant ban”, the executive order signed during the president’s first fortnight that sought to prevent nationals from seven Muslim-majority countries entering the US, including refugees.