John Bercow, the Speaker of the House of Commons in the United Kingdom, told lawmakers today that he would block any attempt by Donald Trump to address Parliament during his state visit later this year:
The money quote: "I feel very strongly that our opposition to racism and to sexism and our support for equality before the law and an independent judiciary are hugely important considerations in the House of Commons."
Can he do that?
:
A speech to Parliament would take place in Westminster Hall (where Obama addressed the body in 2012) or the smaller Royal Gallery. As a "keyholder" to Westminster Hall, the Speaker could block a Trump speech there. He may not be able to block access to the Royal Gallery, but any speech there would traditionally include an invitation from the Speaker, which Bercow stated he is not willing to issue.