Just when you thought things couldn't get any more complicated - John Bercow, the Speaker of the House of Commons, has announced that the Executive cannot put forward another vote to Parliament unless the motion put to it had changed substantially in nature. He was concerned that the Government are keeping coming back to Parliament with essentially rehashed versions of the same deal - almost grinding down Parliament until they give in. Quoting conventions and precedent dating back to the 17th Century Bercow used his power as 'Chair' Speaker to defend Parliamentary rights and effectively scupper Theresa May's attempts at pushing her deal through by attrition.
Bercow as Speaker has been described as like Marmite - either loved or hated. He is not without controversy and some groups of MP's have actively tried to remove him over the years. His supporters on the other hard claim that he is an ardent defender of Parliament and is simply acting - quite legally and correctly- to protect the interests of Parliament from an overbearing Executive.
WHERE DOES THIS FIT INTO YOUR COURSE?
WHERE DOES THIS FIT INTO YOUR COURSE?
- This is a great look at the powers and role of the Speaker
- This is also a great example of the power of Parliament over the Executive and how the Executive can be held to account.
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