The Speaker of the House of Commons has created a stir by strongly opposing a plan to allow US President Donald Trump to address the UK Parliament during his planned state visit to the country later this year.
John Bercow, who is known as an outspoken Speaker, said it was not an "automatic right" but an "earned honour" for world leaders to address both Houses of British Parliament from Westminster Hall.
"After the imposition of the migrant ban by President Trump I am even more strongly opposed to an address by President Trump in Westminster Hall.
I would not wish to issue an invitation to President Trump," said Bercow, who is one of three traditional "key holders" to the Westminster Hall. "I feel very strongly that our opposition to racism and sexism and our support for equality before the law and an independent judiciary are hugely important considerations in the House of Commons," he said.