John Bercow, the Tory-appointed, historicaly scrupulously neutral Speaker of the House has said that Donald Trump will not be permitted to address Parliament during his hugely controversial upcoming state visit.
The announcement was met with cheers from Parliament. Nigel Farage, a colossal asshole, objected.
“An address by a foreign leader to both houses of parliament is not an automatic right. It is an earned honor,” said Bercow. He later added, “As far as this place is concerned, I feel very strongly that our opposition to racism and to sexism and our support to equality before the law and an independent judiciary are hugely important considerations in the House of Commons.”
Bercow said he already opposed letting Trump address Parliament before the president signed an executive order last month temporarily barring refugees and travelers from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States.
“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,” said Bercow.
UK House of Commons speaker says he would block Trump from addressing Parliament (+video)
[Ben Rosen/Christian Science Monitor]
(Image: John Bercow, Julian Mason, CC-BY)