The House of Commons Speaker, who voted to remain in the 2016 referendum, insists he conducts himself in an impartial manner and it was not up to him to "proscribe one route or another”. The 56-year-old has found himself submerged in controversy after he agreed to allow a vote on an amendment to a Government motion tabled by Brexit rebel Dominic Grieve. The bill forced the Government to reveal its ‘plan b’ Brexit deal following a defeat in the ‘meaningful vote’ in just three days instead of 21 days, which had been agreed under previous legislation.
Mr Bercow was also criticised for not selecting a motion put forward by a Brexiteer that would have limited Theresa May’s loss in the vote - which she subsequently was defeated by 230 votes.
However, during a rare interview, he told CNN: "I would just encourage members, in so far as they need encouragement, to do what they think is right, in terms both of voice and of vote.
"It's not for the Speaker, let's say in the context of Brexit, to proscribe one route or another.”
John Bercow insists he remains neutral in the House of Commons (Image: PA)
Mr Bercow defended his conduct and said his role was to “give a voice to the minority or dissident”.
He added: "I think the
