Speaker John Bercow brands critics of tie-ban sexist as he attacks Tory rebels promising mutiny
House speaker claims opposition to his relaxed Commons dress code is discriminatory
SPEAKER John Bercow branded critics of his tie-ban plan sexist last night as he tore into Tories in mutiny over his relaxed Commons dress code.
The controversial moderniser compared critics of his decision to bigots who discriminate against other people based on their “age or gender”.
It was seen as a direct attack on Transport Minister John Hayes – who this week said he would not accept questions from tie-less men.
The flamboyant right-winger even brought a spare tie to the Despatch Box for the “sartorially challenged” after the controversial decision to relax Commons dress code last week.
Speaker John Bercow announced he would allow male MPs to speak in the chamber without wearing a tie providing they were wearing “business-like attire”.
But the Transport Minister hit back: “I ought to say as a matter of courtesy I won’t be taking interventions from anyone who’s not wearing a tie, on whatever side of the House that they sit.
“As well as courtesy, I believe in generosity, and anyone that is sartorially challenged or inadequate I will provide a tie for.”
But yesterday Mr Bercow said he was “confident” that no MP would “discriminate on the basis of the attire of the colleague seeking to intervene any more than he or she would do so on the basis of a member’s age or gender”.
MOST READ IN POLITICS
The Speaker added: “It would indeed be quite wrong of anyone to do so.”
Weighing in, Liam Fox said he wanted MPs to “lead by example” in a bid to boost British tie exports.
The International Trade Secretary lent his support to the traditional attire, noting his own tie was made in England.
Commons Speaker John Bercow countered: “I can’t claim mine was, I’m not sure.
“But I’m sure if they’re so popular it won’t be necessary to compel people to wear them.”