Business Standard

UK Speaker: Trump shouldn't be allowed to address Parliament

Image

AP London
The Speaker of Britain's House of Commons says he strongly opposes letting US President Donald Trump address Parliament during a state visit to the UK.

John Bercow said today that he would have opposed the invitation even before Trump's temporary ban on citizens of seven majority-Muslim nations from entering the US.

He said that after the migrant ban was issued, "I am even more strongly opposed."

Bercow's intervention is unusual because Speakers are expected to remain above Parliament's partisan fray.

He was cheered by lawmakers when he said that although Britain values its relationship with the US, "our opposition to racism and to sexism, and our support for equality before the law and an independent judiciary, are hugely important considerations".
 

Trump is due to visit Britain later this year.

Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content

Don't miss the most important news and views of the day. Get them on our Telegram channel

First Published: Feb 07 2017 | 12:57 AM IST

Explore News