Labour MPs rush to speaker’s defence

Labour MPs yesterday led a backlash against Tories seeking to oust Speaker John Bercow after he launched an outspoken attack on Donald Trump.The Labour, Liberal Democrat and SNP MPs rallied around Bercow after Tory James Duddridge tabled a parliamentary motion of no confidence in him as Commons speaker.The row was triggered by Bercow backing MPs opposing the US president addressing Parliament in Westminster Hall during his state visit, which is expected in June.Criticising Trump’s travel ban, the speaker said: “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 hugely important considerations.”His intervention sparked accusations he had strayed from the political impartiality expected of his role. Tory MP Alec Shelbrooke said Bercow had “politicised the office of speaker and his position is untenable”. Conservative MP Karl McCartney also argued Bercow’s “opinion wasn’t called for and added nothing of value”.However, Labour MPs lined up to defend the speaker. Edmonton MP Kate Osamor said: “ Bercow has my full support and I won’t be voting for a motion of no confidence.”Feltham and Heston MP Seema Malhotra said: “Lots of support for speaker Bercow who does his job with impeccable fairness and honesty.” Cardiff South and Penarth MP Stephen Doughty, whose Commons motion calling for Trump to be banned from speaking in Westminster Hall was backed by more than 200 MPs, added: “Sounds like Duddridge doesn’t really appreciate the public degree of anger and support for John Bercow.”Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron has written to the speaker to stress his support for him.Meanwhile, Ukip MP Douglas Carswell, whose motion of no confidence led to the downfall of Michael Martin as speaker in 2009, said the move against Bercow was “misguided”.