Last week John Bercow, Speaker of the House of Commons, discussed the mechanics of leaving the EU directly with the President of the EU Parliament, David Sassoli. The YouTube clip of Mr Sassoli’s statement on this subject is here. The following is my transcript of Mr Sassoli’s statement to the EU Parliament on the 9th October:
” …I also had a fruitful discussion with Speaker Bercow in which I set out my view that any request by British institutions for extensions or prorogations should allow the British people to give its views, either in a referendum or in a general election. Speaker Bercow and I were very much on the same wavelength regarding the importance of our respective parliaments in managing Brexit. We share an awareness that a chaotic exit of the UK from the EU will work to the detriment of citizens on both sides. I do trust that ‘no deal’ can be avoided at the end of the day. The EU has nevertheless adopted all necessary measures to prepare for the consequences should it occur.”
Social media was alive with widespread disgust at the antics of those who claim power over us – and especially Bercow.
In this statement, it is clear that Bercow has communicated with Mr Sassoli and is agreed on such matters as the need for some sort of public consultation over matters as wide ranging as prorogations of Parliament (a matter of prerogative) and extensions under Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty (a matter of international law). Furthermore it seems they were on the same wavelength when it came to ideas concerning the “management of Brexit” (a matter for the executive under Royal prerogative) by their respective parliaments. Neither of these two gentlemen have any powers or rights whatsoever to interfere in negotiations between the UK government and the EU Commission over Brexit; or, indeed, any other matter. And yet here they both are, strutting like peacocks, proclaiming an authority that neither has.
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See Also:
(1) WATCH moment Speaker John Bercow rejects Queen’s Speech tradition in snub to MPs
(2) John Bercow left humiliated after Speaker broke rules by failing to register interests
(3) Barnier throws Boris’s Brexit plan in the bin – and gives MIDNIGHT deadline to save talks
(4) Boris Johnson to tear up Varadkar deal after fiery late night DUP meeting
(5) Labour chaos: Corbyn in turmoil as shock new poll shows public distrust on Brexit
