Commons Speaker John Bercow defends Brexit impartiality - but admits 'concern' at lack of deal
The House of Commons Speaker says it is not up to him to "proscribe one route or another" on the UK's departure from the EU.
Friday 1 February 2019 15:52, UK
House of Commons Speaker John Bercow has defended his impartiality over Brexit - but admitted his "concern" that MPs have yet to agree an EU withdrawal deal.
A series of crunch parliamentary votes on Brexit have seen the Speaker's recent actions come under close scrutiny.
Mr Bercow infuriated Brexiteers and government ministers last month when he was accused of ripping up parliamentary convention to the advantage of a Remain-supporting Conservative backbencher.
Former Tory minister Dominic Grieve was later revealed to have visited Mr Bercow in his Commons residence before the Speaker ruled in his favour.
Leave-supporting MPs highlighted how Mr Bercow previously - and controversially - acknowledged how he supported Remain at the 2016 EU referendum.
Mr Bercow also recently angered ministers by not selecting a Brexiteer amendment to Theresa May's withdrawal agreement, which could have limited the prime minister's heavy defeat.
However, in an interview with CNN, Mr Bercow said it is not up to him to "proscribe one route or another" on the UK's departure from the EU, scheduled for 29 March.
Asked about the divisive nature of UK politics at present, Mr Bercow said: "I would just encourage members, in so far as they need encouragement, to do what they think is right, in terms both of voice and of vote.
"It's not for the Speaker, let's say in the context of Brexit, to proscribe one route or another.
"And, I think the record shows that I've always been particularly keen, for example, to give a voice to the minority or dissident voices in the House of Commons rather than, in any sense, to side with the majority.
"I think the Speaker's role is sometimes just to stand up for the institution of the House of Commons and the principle of parliamentary democracy."
But, the Speaker did admit his consternation that a Brexit deal hasn't been agreed, with 56 days until the UK's expected departure from the EU.
"It is a concern that in grappling with the biggest current issue facing us, Brexit, no resolution of the matter has yet been obtained," he said.
"It is a concern, it isn't something that the Speaker can determine. The Speaker can try and help the House to decide on such issues and give it the freedom to breathe, if I can put it that way."
On taking on the role of Speaker, Mr Bercow said his intention was to quit after nine years - a date which passed in June last year.
He is now said to be aiming to stay on until this summer.
As well as criticism from Leave-supporting MPs over his handling of Brexit votes, the Speaker has also been subject to allegations of bullying staff, which he denies.
He has also been accused of calling Leader of the House of Commons Andrea Leadsom a "stupid woman".