House of Commons Speaker John Bercow is an “embarrassment to the British Parliament”, a former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations has said.
John Bolton said the British government will be “outraged” at Mr. Bercow for effectively banning U.S. President Donald J. Trump from addressing Parliament when he makes a state visit later this year.
Speaking to Breitbart News Daily, Ambassador Bolton said that under the British constitution, the Speaker usually takes a neutral role. However, with Bercow “somehow they’ve gotten somebody who seems to think that he has some voice that gives him a role in British politics way beyond his capabilities”.
He called Mr. Bercow an “embarrassment to the British Parliament” and said: “I’m sure Theresa May is outraged at this and would like to try to find a way to correct it. Hopefully, she will.”
John Bercow effectively prohibited President Trump from addressing the UK parliament, telling the House of Commons on Monday: “Before the imposition of the migrant ban I would myself have been strongly opposed to an address by President Trump in Westminster Hall, after the imposition… I am even more strongly opposed.”
His comments were widely criticised, even by his counterpart in the House of Lords who slammed Mr. Bercow for not consulting with him first. He also said he would not offer an opinion on the visit himself as “that is not my role as Speaker”.
Outrage also grew among Conservative MPs, with several speaking out against the Speaker, including former Culture Secretary John Whittingdale, who accused him of “damaging the national interest”.
By Wednesday afternoon, it was revealed one MP, James Duddridge, was planning to ask the Prime Minister whether ministers would be given a free vote in the event of a motion of no confidence in the Speaker. By Thursday evening, it was confirmed that Mr. Bercow would face a vote of no confidence.