Trump — who the British Government is wooing in support of Brexit and a new US-UK trade agreement — is due for a state visit to Britain later this year, which would normally include meeting Queen Elizabeth II and addressing parliament.
However, a group of MPs has called for Trump to be barred from the privilege over his outspoken comments on racism and sexism. In response to calls for him to take action, the Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow said: "An address by a foreign leader to both Houses of Parliament is not an automatic right; it is an earned honor."
"I would myself have been strongly opposed to an address by President Trump in Westminster Hall, but after the imposition of the migrant ban by President Trump, I am even more strongly opposed to an address by President Trump in Westminster Hall. We value our relationship with the United States. If a state visit takes place, that is way beyond and above the pay grade of the Speaker."
Read John Bercow's FULL speech slamming Donald Trump on our Liveblog: https://t.co/kCJ6dAXStx pic.twitter.com/uKbrBH7pXv
— PoliticsHome (@politicshome) 6 February 2017
"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 hugely important considerations in the House of Commons," Bercow said.
Leading world statesmen and women have addressed both Houses of the British Parliament over the years, including the late President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela; former President of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev; and former President of Russia, Boris Yeltsin.
John Bercow throws major shade at @realDonaldTrump. Dennis Skinner sums it up with just two words: well done 👏 pic.twitter.com/pD5wIyPAfc
— RT UK (@RTUKnews) February 6, 2017
The last two accorded the privilege were Xi Jinping, President of China and Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India — both of whose countries Britain is keen to drum up more trade with.
So Tory MPs want John Bercow to stand down as #Speaker for his entirely reasonable view about #Trump. That speaks volumes. #r4today #Bercow
— Paul Snowdon (@67Snowy) February 7, 2017
@LeaveEUOfficial He speaks for Parliament, which is Sovereign. Have some bloody decorum.
— Magpie Ranger (@NUFC_OurClub) February 7, 2017
Meanwhile, in Europe, the leader of the Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament, Gianni Pittella said, during an EU summit in Malta:
"We send a clear message from Malta to president Trump. We will not tolerate you undermining EU values and threatening our democracies."
