Time for a fresh start after Bercow

PARLIAMENT has fallen silent – but the debate over the behaviour of the Commons and the way in which the Speaker chose to conduct proceedings continues.

There has been much comment over his apparent bias to the left, despite being originally elected as a Tory MP.

I am concerned by the gross lack of courtesy that he has extended to fellow members.

I am absolutely appalled at the loutish behaviour of some Members in the Chamber, and in the way in which Bercow treated them.

He would never, I hope, address his own family in such a way, and his regular dressing down of a member for some conceived indiscretion was grossly impolite, and certainly not in the manner demonstrated by his brilliant predecessor of yesteryear, Betty Boothroyd.

We are all human beings, and the older I become, the more I deplore the lack of respect we have for each other.

The only way this is going to change is by example from the top.

That most certainly includes MPs and the Speaker in particular, setting standards that it is hoped others will follow.

Bercow is a wordsmith having an encyclopaedic vocabulary, plus a well-rehearsed style of delivery that is intended to put fear into some alleged miscreant.

Such skills should be exercised only when absolutely essential and I am afraid that over the last ten years, the Speaker has over-stepped the mark many times, giving unnecessary offence, and certainly not setting desirable and sensible standards.

People in public life have a responsibility to conduct themselves in a manner which does not deliberately seek to give offence.

Currently, behaviour is terrible, clearly illustrated by the shenanigans as Parliament was prorogued.

These are historic times and I hope that the next Speaker will restore the reputation of the Mother of Parliaments.

We must set standards which hopefully, others will follow.