In praise of John Bercow, part 94

Speaker shows fearlessness by granting Commons time to debate NoW phone-tapping scandal.

By James Macintyre Published 08 September 2010 14:58

This blog has praised John Bercow several times before, and today it has reason to do so again. The Speaker has decided to grant the House of Commons time tomorrow to debate the News of the World phone-tapping scandal, and whether or not the matter should be taken up by the Standards and Privileges Committee. In doing so, he has again demonstrated his supreme independence, his willingness to risk the wrath of the Tory party despite past plots among its backbenchers to unseat him.

He has also, following the decision by the Home Affairs Committee yesterday to investigate, ensured the story is given fresh "legs".

Talking of which, Alastair Campbell has blogged on the question, raised earlier here, of his rule on how long a story's victim can survive before he is toast.

Tags: John Bercow

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7 comments

Wed, 2010-09-08 15:23 — Susan Allan (not verified)

@james macyntire

do you think he's NOT w been screwed? or has the debate done a vanishing act?

very democratic of him. or just plane wasteful.

Wed, 2010-09-08 15:28 — swatantra

Having consulted his Erskine May Bercow had no option but to proceed with and enquiry, so I'm not quite sure what your point is. The Speaker in this day and age has to be 'independent' and be seen to be independent. It may have been different 50 years ago.
Wish Bercow would stop saying ' Will members please quieten down' because they won't; he should expel a couple from the Chamber to bring it home to them.
But I suppose we should be grateful its Bercow, and not Sir George in the Chair.
What is more shameful is that the Whitingdales Media etc Select Committee has decided not to enquire into the conduct of this journalist and others like him, although the Home Affairs Select Committee will be looking into the criminal side of this issue.

Wed, 2010-09-08 15:33 — ang (not verified)

He is a very entertaining speaker, he is fair and won't take any nonsense. He has to give the house time to debate this issue, as it probably involves a large number of mps personally. Well done John and keep up the good work Sally!

Wed, 2010-09-08 15:38 — Terrible But True (not verified)

Next: Slating of folk who we don't agree with

Gotta love objective media.

Good job I have the BBC for balance. Yes, indeed.

But still hoping to find one who can separate allegations from evidence from proof.

Or do more than take John Prescott's word for.. well, anything really.

I'd like Coulson nailed, if guilty, on facts. At present, the collection of faux-outrage hypocrites, sharks and dodgy-dealers ranged against him almost makes me feel like chipping in to a defence fund. Almost.

If he is, and this all works, then sign me up for the next batch to be hounded as precedent gets set.

Assuming the targets might not prove so 'acceptable' in some quarters, all of a sudden.