John Bercow opposes Trump’s Parliament address in the UK

Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow has made a point that US President Donald Trump must not be allowed to address Parliament on his state visit to the United Kingdom. He stressed that being invited to speak to MPs is “not an automatic right.” Rather, it is “an earned honour.”

In an intervention, Bercow has shared his thoughts about Trump speaking in the Commons, saying it is something that he “strongly opposed.” He managed to set a clear expectation that he would not be willing to invite the US president to speak at Westminster because of parliament’s opposition “to racism and to sexism.”

Bercow has explained to the members of Parliament that even before Trump has signed the executive order on immigration, he would personally strongly oppose to an address by President Trump in Westminster Hall. But his disapproval for Trump to address Parliament has become stronger after the imposition of the travel ban.

“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 told the MPs. Bercow has received applause from parts of Commons for his statement.

Bercow, recognised in 1986 as the youngest deputy group leader in the United Kingdom, is a former Conservative MP before he was elected to the role as Speaker of the House of Commons. He was also appointed Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire and Conservative councillor in the London Borough of Lambeth.

Even Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is not in favour of the US president’s expected visit until the travel ban is cancelled. “Well said John Bercow. We must stand up for our country's values. Trump's State Visit should not go ahead,” he said.

Former deputy Labour leader Harriet Harman also believes that Trump’s visit to the UK should not push through. “Racism and sexism not welcome here, Harman said. Nearly two million people share the same sentiment as they signed a petition calling for Trump's state visit to be cancelled.

But a Downing Street spokesperson maintained that they are looking forward to welcoming Trump to the UK. “The dates and arrangements for the state visit will be worked out in due course,” the spokesperson said.

UK Prime Minister Theresa May has invited Trump for a state visit to her country during her recent trip to the US. Trump is expected to take foot on UK soil this year.