RantCrush Top 5: February 7, 2017

Yesterday, the Speaker of the House of Commons said he would not let President Donald Trump speak to the British Parliament, which is a tradition for American presidents. The Speaker, John Bercow, said that he would have been opposed to Trump speaking even before the controversial travel ban, but that now he is even more convinced.

“Our opposition to racism and to sexism, and our support for equality before the law and an independent judiciary, are hugely important considerations,” he stated. Many British politicians who are critical of Trump cheered the decision, but many others were shocked and said Bercow was out of line. This is a big deal, since Bercow is one of three lawmakers who would have to approve of a foreign leader addressing Parliament, and the Speaker is usually impartial. British Prime Minister Theresa May hasn’t commented yet, nor has the White House.

Well said John Bercow. We must stand up for our country’s values. Trump’s State Visit should not go ahead. https://t.co/nd9NWpwCeY

— Jeremy Corbyn MP (@jeremycorbyn) February 6, 2017

Emma Von Zeipel

Emma Von Zeipel is a staff writer at Law Street Media. She is originally from one of the islands of Stockholm, Sweden. After working for Democratic Voice of Burma in Thailand, she ended up in New York City. She has a BA in journalism from Stockholm University and is passionate about human rights, good books, horses, and European chocolate. Contact Emma at EVonZeipel@LawStreetMedia.com.