23 February 2024 • 8:21am
8:21AM
Cleverly: ‘Inappropriate pressure’ was ‘brought onto the Speaker’
The Home Secretary said “inappropriate pressure” had been “brought onto the Speaker” during the Gaza debate on Wednesday in the House of Commons.
James Cleverly told Times Radio: “Sadly it seems that the unwillingness of some members of the House to put their name to a contentious decision, particularly the Labour leadership and members of the Labour Party, created an intolerable situation, I think with inappropriate pressure being brought onto the Speaker.
“It was not a good day for the reputation of the House of Commons.”
8:10AM
Home Secretary rejects Braverman’s claim that Islamists are in charge of UK
James Cleverly rejected a claim made by Suella Braverman that Islamists are now in charge of the UK.
Mrs Braverman wrote in a piece for The Telegraph: “The truth is that the Islamists, the extremists and the anti-Semites are in charge now.”
Asked if his predecessor at the Home Office was right, Mr Cleverly told Times Radio: “No. I can understand her frustration but we do still live in one of the greatest countries in the world if not the greatest country in the world.
“We have a high functioning democracy. We live by the rule of law. And I don’t think it is right or appropriate to imply anything other than that.
“But what we value needs to be defended. I and the Prime Minister and the rest of the Government are absolutely committed to defending those things that we value: Openness , liberalism, freedom of speech, the democratic process and the rule of law. And that will remain an absolute commitment.”
8:03AM
Cleverly ‘comfortable’ with Hoyle staying in role amid push to oust him
James Cleverly said he was “comfortable” with Sir Lindsay Hoyle continuing in his role after 67 MPs signed a motion of no confidence against the Commons Speaker.
Sir Lindsay continues to fight for his political life after his handling of a debate on a Gaza ceasefire on Wednesday sparked a political firestorm, with dozens of Tory MPs and the SNP now pushing to oust him.
Mr Cleverly, the Home Secretary, was asked this morning if he believed Sir Lindsay should stand down.
He told Times Radio: “I think it is wrong for ministers to start dictating House business and obviously the choice of Speaker is House business.
“Sir Lindsay has apologised, he has conceded he has made a mistake. I personally am comfortable with that. But ultimately that is a decision for the House rather than for government.”