JOHN Bercow has reportedly insisted that he will block his "bullies" and stay on as Speaker of the House of Commons. Mr Bercow will play a crucial role over the next few months, and today he will examine a series of amendments which could drastically alter the course of Brexit. Who is John Bercow? John Bercow, 55, grew up in Finchley, North London, where his local MP was Margaret Thatcher. He was a youth tennis champion once ranked number one in Britain, but his asthma and short stature stopped him pursuing a professional career. As a student activist in the far-right Monday Club, Bercow was in favour of a program of "assisted repatriation" of immigrants. He has since distanced himself from the organisation and dismissed his views at the time as "bone headed". Bercow worked in banking and lobbying and ran a speaking and campaigning course that trained future Tory MPs. He was elected as a Conservative councillor in the London Borough of Lambeth in 1986. Eleven years later he secured the … [Read more...] about Is John Bercow a remainer and does the Speaker of the House of Commons have a say over Brexit?
House of commons
Tulip Siddiq: Victory for MP on proxy voting in House of Commons after delaying son’s birth for Brexit vote
PUBLISHED: 13:37 29 January 2019 | UPDATED: 13:37 29 January 2019 Harry Taylor Tulip Siddiq, MP for Hampstead and Kilburn, with her newborn son Raphael Mujib StJohn Percy at their home in West Hampstead. Picture: PA/Kirsty O'Connor PA Wire/PA Images Proxy voting has been introduced for MPs who are on maternity leave after Hampstead and Kilburn MP Tulip Siddiq delayed giving birth to vote in the Brexit debate a fortnight ago. The motion was heard by the House of Commons late last night, and approved after a debate that lasted around an hour. The scheme, which will apply to new parents and those who have had miscarriages, will be trialled for a year before being reviewed.Tulip gave birth to her son, Raphael, on January 19 after delaying her planned caesarean due to a vote on the Brexit bill being held in Parliament on January 15.The Royal Free Hospital, where she had Raphael and her daughter Azalea, said her pregnancy was “high-risk” and were … [Read more...] about Tulip Siddiq: Victory for MP on proxy voting in House of Commons after delaying son’s birth for Brexit vote
Brexit Amendments Day in House of Commons as “cracks appear” in EU position
As the Brexit clock runs down dangerously, another pivotal day begins. And first up will be a vote on amendments to UK Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal. After an historic defeat on January 15, MPs have proposed a slew of amendments to push the bill in the direction they'd vote for. Later today, Speaker of the House John Bercow will decide which amendments will be voted on. Two key ones are expected to come up to vote. The first is Labour MP Yvette Cooper's amendment that would require the government to extend Article 50 in the face of a no-deal Brexit, essentially a safeguard against the idea of a no-deal exit, an idea that many Brexiters are against. The second is from backbench Tory MP Graham Brady, that calls for the Irish backstop to be replaced by "alternative arrangements". The Prime Minister herself is said to support the amendment in the face of opposition from the likes of Irish Deputy PM Simon Coveney who says the backstop is not up for debate, and EU representatives … [Read more...] about Brexit Amendments Day in House of Commons as “cracks appear” in EU position
MPs told no deal Brexit ‘not an option’ by House of Commons committee
0 Have your say Ministers cannot consider making a no-deal scenario its official Brexit policy, a powerful House of Commons committee has said on the eve of a fresh set of crucial votes by MPs. Exiting the EU Committee chairman Hilary Benn said no responsible government would pursue a so-called “managed no-deal” as an alternative to Theresa May’s Brexit.It comes amid reports that civil servants are considering using sweeping powers to respond to a breakdown of law and order following a no-deal Brexit, including the possible imposition of martial law.Under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004, ministers could impose curfews and travel bans, and even confiscate property, while civil servants have also “war-gamed” declaring a state of emergency and calling in the army.Health Secretary Matt Hancock denied the Government was “specifically” planning for martial law but did not rule it out.“I wouldn’t put a stress on … [Read more...] about MPs told no deal Brexit ‘not an option’ by House of Commons committee
House of Commons event celebrates growing classical music scene in Hastings
If proof was needed of the rising status of the Hastings International Piano Concerto Competition, look no further than a special event held at the House of Commons this week. Hastings and Rye MP Amber Rudd welcomed guests to celebrate the Cultural Renaissance of Hastings and its development into a strong classical music hub. Now one of the UK’s most prestigious classical music competitions, the Hastings International Piano Concerto Competition (HIPCC) was recognised as a major contributor to the growing classical music scene in town.The competition, together with venues specialising in classical music, the creation of the professional Hastings Philharmonic Orchestra and the many concerts and recitals around the town have created a centre for classical music on the South coast.This year’s competition will take place at the White Rock Theatre from Thursday, February 21 to Saturday, March 2. The winner will receive a cash prize of £15,000 and the opportunity of … [Read more...] about House of Commons event celebrates growing classical music scene in Hastings