Leeds MP adds voice to row over Trump's visit to Britain

A Leeds MP has added his voice to the call for Commons Speaker John Bercow to resign.
Conservative MP for Elmet and Rothwell Alec Shelbrooke. (S)Conservative MP for Elmet and Rothwell Alec Shelbrooke. (S)
Conservative MP for Elmet and Rothwell Alec Shelbrooke. (S)

Rothwell and Elmet MP Alec Shelbrooke has signed an Early Day Motion and spoken out in support of claims that Bercow’s behaviour in Parliament this week had been “wholly inappropriate”.

The Speaker faced calls to consider his position after he said US President Donald Trump should not be allowed to address Parliament on his state visit to Britain this year.

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Former Minister James Duddridge tabled the motion, claiming Mr Bercow had “overstepped the mark”. The motion was tabled as the Commons rose for the February recess, with Mr Duddridge claiming that support for the move could see the Speaker forced out before MPs return to Westminster.

The Rochford and Southend East MP claimed Mr Bercow’s comments were “wholly inappropriate” and contravened the Speaker’s traditional neutrality. On Monday, Mr Bercow appeared to brand the US president “racist” and “sexist” and said Mr Trump’s travel ban on seven predominantly Muslim countries meant he was “even more strongly” opposed to an invitation.

He was applauded by some MPs, but his move irritated Tories and also caused a clash with Lords Speaker Lord Fowler, who vowed to keep an “open mind” about Mr Trump addressing Parliament. But the Opposition urged Ministers to reject calls for a vote of no confidence.