‘Racist and sexist’ President Trump barred from UK parliament, says Speaker
The Speaker of the UK Parliament has made a stinging attack on US President Donald Trump.
John Bercow made the extraordinary comments in response to a point of order by Labour MP Stephen Doughty.
Speaker Bercow told MPs: “We value our relationship with the US.
“If a state visit takes place that is way beyond the pay grade of the Speaker.
“However, as far as this place is concerned, I feel very strongly that our opposition to racism, and to sexism and our support for equality before the law and an independent judiciary are important considerations in the House of Commons.”
The extraordinary intervention all but ends the chances of President Trump addressing both houses of parliament in Westminster Hall.
The Speaker is one of three key people who must approve for a Westminster Hall speech to be granted.
Previous recipients of the honour included Nelson Mandela, President Obama and Aung San Suu Kyi.
it comes after a petition to bar President Trump from a state visit gained almost two million signatures.
Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said: “Bercow is right. That racist should not be allowed to speak.”
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: “We must stand up for our country’s values. Trump’s State Visit should not go ahead.”
