Disgrace over the mace

“No, no, no, no. Order.” “Disgrace.”

“Expel him.”

These were the condemnations that rang out in the House of Commons Monday, a day that exposed the poison that Brexit has injected into British politics.

The commotion began not when Prime Minister Theresa May delayed a crucial vote on the agreement setting out the terms of her country’s withdrawal from the European Union.

Instead, it erupted when an opposition lawmaker stepped forth in protest and took hold of an ornamental mace.

Dating from the reign of Charles II in the 17th century, the silver-gilt staff symbolizes royal authority; without it, Parliament can’t meet or pass laws.

The offender, Lloyd RussellMoyle of the Labour Party, was banished from the chamber.

It began when RussellMoyle, who represents a swath of the seaside town of Brighton, strode forward and headed for the Speaker’s chair and the Table of the House, where the mace sits when parliamentary business is unfolding.

He opened his arms as he reached the table and brought his hands down on the silvergilt ornamental club, which measures about 5 feet in length.

Russell-Moyle lifted the mace and backpedalled, stopping briefly at the centre of the House’s well to stare down John Bercow, the nonpartisan House Speaker, who shook his head and raised his index finger to point, ordering the lawmaker to return the object.

Instead, he relinquished the mace to Commons officials and was suspended for the remainder of the sitting.