John Bercow and Andrea Leadsom traded blows in the Commons again today after she criticised him for telling a Tory MP to "grow up."
Their latest row came after Labour MP John Cryer branded Theresa May's speech last night, in which she criticised Parliament's handling of Brexit, as "one of the most contemptuous statements I have ever heard".
Mr Cryer was then heckled by Tory Sir Peter Bottomley, which led Mr Bercow to intervene and angrily tell him: "Let's grow up. Do grow up, for goodness sake.
"This is not a matter of party political hackery. Let's have some seriousness of purpose and mutual respect
“The honourable gentleman is an experienced member of the House, he’s asked an honest question to which the leader I know will honestly reply. For goodness sake, let’s raise the level.”
But Ms Leadsom retorted: “Mr Speaker may I just say that your response does not raise the level.”
The Commons Leader was then told to sit down by Mr Bercow, who added: “My response sets out the constitutional position that is applied to the Commons over generations.
"I cannot see or believe that there is anything remotely controversial about what I have said.”
Mr Bercow then passionately defended Parliament and the role of MPs.
Mr Bercow told MPs that “none of you is a traitor” after a number of them hit out at the Prime Minister’s speech on Wednesday, in which she blamed Parliament for the Brexit crisis.
Mrs May's statement was branded “toxic” and “irresponsible”, with Sam Gyimah writing: “Democracy loses when a PM who has set herself against the Commons then blames MPs for doing their job.”
On Thursday, Labour's Diana Johnson said during Business Questions that "in recent weeks I have been accused of being a traitor", before revealing she has received messages “saying that along with the two other Hull MPs we should be shot and hanged.”
Commons leader Ms Leadsom responded by saying she agreed all MPs "need to be treated with respect".
Mr Bercow then intervened, saying: “All of you are doing your best. This should not be a matter of any controversy whatsoever.
“Let me say that I believe passionately in the institution of Parliament, of the rights of members of this House and the commitment to their duty.
“The soul duty of every Member of Parliament is to do what he or she thinks is right. There is nothing, in my judgement, to be added.”
The Prime Minister is today appealing to EU leaders to accept an extension to the Article 50 withdrawal process until June 30 at a summit in Brussels.
Her meeting with leaders comes as time is running out for her to secure Britain’s position, with just eight days before the UK is due to leave the block on March 29.
