John Bercow: ‘I do not believe Jeremy Corbyn is anti-Semitic’ | British GQ

Alastair Campbell takes on John Bercow as the former speaker steps down after ten controversial years presiding over the House Of Commons, during which his private life became public and he was burnt in effigy as the Brexit debate turned toxic
Subscribe to British GQ►► bit.ly/BritishGQSubscribe
CONNECT WITH BRITISH GQ
Web: bit.ly/HomepageBritishGQ
Twitter: bit.ly/TwitterBritishGQ
Facebook: bit.ly/FacebookBritishGQ
Instagram: bit.ly/InstagramBritishGQ
Newsletter: bit.ly/NewsletterBritishGQ
ABOUT BRITISH GQ
British GQ is the premier channel for men’s style, lifestyle and entertainment. Every week brand new series, original documentaries and essential style guides make it the first port of call for living well and looking good for men.
John Bercow: ‘I do not believe Jeremy Corbyn is anti-Semitic’
/ gqrecommends
Subscribe to British GQ►► po.st/SubscribeBritishGQ
CONNECT WITH BRITISH GQ
Web: po.st/BritishGQ
Twitter: po.st/TwitterBritishGQ
Facebook: po.st/FacebookBritishGQ
Google+: po.st/GoogleBritishGQ
Instagram: po.st/InstagramBritishGQ
Newsletter: po.st/NewsletterBritishGQ
ABOUT BRITISH GQ
British GQ is the premier channel for men’s style, lifestyle and entertainment. Every week brand new series, original documentaries and essential style guides make it the first port of call for living well and looking good for men.
/ gqrecommends
John Bercow: ‘I do not believe Jeremy Corbyn is anti-Semitic’ | British GQ

[@jordanb1520]

John bercow should narrate audiobooks, he's just got that voice

[@the1andonlytitch]

Or do history documentaries

[@MrMjdc]

lol

[@mylesweston36]

Not politics tho clearly

[@jamesherold8655]

our history is biased enough i hope he gets anti arsenal referees and football is a game politics are real life

[@Crispman_777]

Absolutely!

[@Natashahoneypot]

I am only watching this to expand my vocabulary.

[@F-J.]

Lol you should listen to bojo.

[@deesmith4800]

@@F-J. hahahahah :)

[@F-J.]

@@Natashahoneypot I listen to that comedian/ activist ex hubby of Katie Perry to enrich my vocab. Lol

[@Jon908584]

Read a thesaurus. I recommend Roget. It isn't much of a story but they do explain every word.

[@ricardobimblesticks1489]

If you are a loquacious type a large lexicon can be a boon

[@lovefoodisgood]

I love the fact you'd put an hours interview here not just edited soundbites. Hurrah for long form content. Interesting stuff, irrespective if you agree with them they are intelligent interesting chaps

[@jasonkingshott2971]

Staged!

[@malcolmpatterson4273]

@@jasonkingshott2971 The truth can only be established by the evidence at hand. In the case of Johnson Against the people. The truth is complete, Johnson is a liar

[@grahamstyles2758]

.....somehow I don't think Bercow's view on Corbyn's supposed anti-semitism will be making many headlines.

[@WelshBathBoy]

Yes, and interestingly the one thing that did make the headlines was his view on Brexit being one of the biggest foreign policy blunders in recent history, which will just help those who didn't like him to begin with.

[@George-bb9kr]

But it is a ridiculous policy mate..

[@WelshBathBoy]

@@George-bb9kr don't I know it!

[@Perkelenaattori]

Of course not as it contradicts the opinion of the billionaire owned media.

[@VeeSeven700]

I don't believe Jeremy Corbyn is antisemitic. I think he's weak and unable or unwilling to take a hard stance on it in the party. Ultimately the party has handled the issue extremely badly. People who were dragging labour's name because of their idiotic comments 2 years ago are still doing it now because the party hasn't dealt with it effectively. Ultimately he has to take responsibility for what happens under his leadership. That's what leaders do.

[@kickbiker7920]

I like the informal set up of these interviews. Whatever people's opinion on Campbell is not relevant here. This is all about Bercow. He's the interviewee. The subject IS John Bercow. It's good to see him as a member of the public being interviewed. Campbell's experience of interviewing other well known people for his book etc helps the relaxed air of this. People wil be curious to hear his opinions. JB is well spoken. Obviously. Great clip. Thanks for posting.

[@duncansinclair586]

Funny

[@BritishGQ]

Thank you Kick biker!

[@dazpatreg]

Yes. Pay no heed to the guy helped orchestrate war crimes. He's just an ordinary punter like you, or me, or Donald Rumsfeld, or himmler

[@kickbiker7920]

@mjt1658 So you watched it all & that's your opinion? OR you didn't & just decided to throw in your penny's worth!

[@kickbiker7920]

@@AndrewEdwardBaileyYou watched the whole 1 hour plus clip & you came to THAT conclusion? I don't believe you. You've looked at the title & called it. It's an interview on John Bercow & his background.

[@vexkiddy]

I think the part where he talks about anti-semitism at 57:20 is quite telling: 1. He mentions that he has never received anti-semitic remarks from the Labour party 2. He mentions that he has never received anti-semitic remarks inside Parliament 3. He then recounts of a time where he did receive anti-semitic remarks outside of Parliament. However, the way that he talks about the remarks makes it clear that it came from someone that works inside of parliament or is an MP / Lord. eg. "If I had my way, people like you Berkow, wouldn't be in this place". 'This Place' being the key point in his sentence as this word is used to describe Parliament when one is working within it, not outside of it 4. The fact that he doesn't want to say who it was, therefore means that it is someone the public would know 5. Taking the fact that he's never received anti-semitic remarks from the Labour party, one can only deduce that the anti-semitic remarks he did receive outside of Parliament, came from an MP or Lord from one of the other parties 6. Considering he was not well-liked by many of his own party, (the Tories) one can only surmise, with some certainty, from which party member the anti-semitic remarks came

[@SIXITHS]

Whoever it was actually called him 'Berkov' (59:29). And I agree with you, at 59:53 he also seems to be saying that the Tories should be careful about trying to suggest the problem is only within Labour.

[@Hecatonicosachoron]

There is an actual problem with right-wing antisemitism and racism as a whole. It's primarily a tory problem.

[@bmeghani88]

Very fine forensic analysis. I would like to add: - The person is/was a male. ("...he replied... both") - The person is/was most likely a Tory. ("...lower class or jewish?" ... "both": this implies the person was of a higher class i.e. a Tory) - Antisemitism exists/existed in the Tory party too. ("people should be careful about casting aspersions on other political parties") - Bercow is pauses at 59:12. Therefore Bercow did not expect antisemitism to come from that individual or Bercow is hesitant to talk more about this event. - The individual knew Bercows real name was Berkowitz because Bercow emphasizes the "vf" sound in "Bercovf". - From the tone Bercow is deeply disturbed by this event and doesn't want to talk about it. - You can tell that Bercow is honest when he says that Corbyn is not antisemitic.

[@alexandertrauzzi5812]

What I would give to just sit down and chat with John Bercow for a few hours.

[@soneil]

Temple of Ridicule Agree....Looks like he’s a brown envelope man to me.

[@jamesmorrin2729]

Close enough to give him a slap in the face!

[@PlanetaryCitizen]

Me too, but I'd probably need my dictionary ;)

[@robertely686]

@unitedwestand WE the readers and commentators must be careful? This magazine told us Saddam had WMD and we'd better invade Iraq. That chaps comment was based on as much evidence than GQ, or the msm ever use. I imagine it wouldn't have been an envelope anyway but a position on the board for 4 days a year. Perfectly rational question to make, in the absence of a genuinely investigative media.

[@brianwayes3536]

Alexander Trauzzi You wouldn’t get a word in Alex

[@comeonyouyellows]

His impression of Tony Benn is absolutely brilliant

[@ryanodonnell6748]

@Blue Star Are the anti Zionist Jews also anti semitic?

[@comeonyouyellows]

@Blue Star Anything better to do than troll on KZbin, anonymous troll? OK maybe not.

[@comeonyouyellows]

@Blue Star kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5XRfH5ufNGpras

[@scooby1992]

I agree and of Ken Clarke too . He had them both down to a tee. I wish he had of done more . I want Alastair to interview Bernard Jenkin now , not to talk about politics , but just to hear his impressions .

[@vexkiddy]

If you're looking for the bit about his comments on Jeremy Corbyn go here: 57:20

[@Indielollita]

Thank you.

[@Ladynipchick2]

Thank you.

[@vexkiddy]

I think the part where he talks about anti-semitism at 57:20 is quite telling: 1. He mentions that he has never received anti-semitic remarks from the Labour party 2. He mentions that he has never received anti-semitic remarks inside Parliament 3. He then recounts of a time where he did receive anti-semitic remarks outside of Parliament. However, the way that he talks about the remarks makes it clear that it came from someone that works inside of parliament or is an MP / Lord. eg. "If I had my way, people like you Berkow, wouldn't be in this place". 'This Place' being the key point in his sentence as this word is used to describe Parliament when one is working within it, not outside of it 4. The fact that he doesn't want to say who it was, therefore means that it is someone the public would know 5. Taking the fact that he's never received anti-semitic remarks from the Labour party, one can only deduce that the anti-semitic remarks he did receive outside of Parliament, came from an MP or Lord from one of the other parties 6. Considering he was not well-liked by many of his own party, (the Tories) one can only surmise, with some certainty, from which party member the anti-semitic remarks came

[@eoghan.5003]

That could have saved me an hour of my life...

[@jeremycox4658]

Well of course because that's all that matters to the disgraceful defenders of Mr. Corbyn.

[@Zill7711]

Silly title for this far ranging chat

[@robertely686]

It's important for them to maintain the antisemitism slur, even when there's someone who doesn't believe it. Just mention it continuously is the idea for the msm

[@Zill7711]

jebango i agree and it nearly stopped me from watching it as so clearly that

[@Zill7711]

Dulce periculum good point

[@wendywolfman]

It got you here though, didn't it? :)

[@CrisisGarden]

Very well said Mr Bercow, I wish more Jewish people (like myself) would speak out against this slanderous and very dangerous smear campaign. Not the answer Alastair Campbell wanted I should think.

[@boliussa]

you in favour o fall the things corbyn said then? a lot of jews were kapos so you're in a tradition

[@jonburnett90]

@@boliussa on what planet does "there was a smear campaign against Corbyn" translate to "I agree with everything Corbyn ever said"?! Only a small minded person sees people as being always wrong or right :/

[@woolcottable]

The Socialist alphabet at 30 mins ish is a gem

[@stevenmoens8047]

The problem with parliaments in general, not just the British one: governments don’t like it when they do the other thing their creators intended, apart from legislating, namely scrutinising them. The problem is increased by the fact that MP’s need party support to get re-elected and therefore have a tendency to be too loyal to their respective party leaders, which turns them into party representatives, rather than representatives of their constituents, let alone the people as a whole. Bercow may be far from perfect, but he encouraged MP’s in general, and backbenchers in particular to be just that: representatives of the people and their interests, rather than just parrots echoing the point of view of their respective parties. And that made votes highly unpredictable, which is something governments hate.

[@chrisspencer6502]

No the problem with politics is there is a need for politicians and parties to keep us uninterested in the innermost workings of the state.

[@tims5268]

I agree with your assessment of Bercow. Not perfect but rattled the cage. I like the changes he made in the house of commons. I think a sign of a good speaker is that he is criticized from all sides.

[@H0n3yMonstah]

@@chrisspencer6502 I think those are both valid problems with politics.

[@AMA-Online]

I think there's a third problem which is that in the olden days democratic leaders used to respect the decisions of their parliamentarians, at least in public, but nowadays there are all sorts of populist demagogues in positions of power who masquerade as democrats so as soon as the parliament goes against their wishes they go nuts and try to pit people against the parliamentarians as we are currently seeing.

[@Dirnkus_Ginish]

"Bercow may be far from perfect, but he encouraged MP’s in general, and backbenchers in particular to be just that: representatives of the people and their interests" This is the crux. Unfortunately those elected MP chose to ignore how their constituents voted and facilitated their ignoring of the people.

[@bencobley4929]

This is a massively important thing to say. 41.30mins “I think the increased toxicity of the debate is a problem, I greatly admire colleagues speaking up and speaking out, and I certainly wouldn’t discourage anyone from saying what he or she thinks. But I think it is a pity that we have almost entirely lost the ability, the rather civilising and civilised ability to disagree agreeably. It ought to be possible for one person to hold a view radically different from that of someone else without resorting to ad hominem abuse” He says after it’s not just a problem in the political class or sections of the mainstream media. All this nonsense about malcontents, enemies of the people, traitors is dangerous stuff. It’s very worrying indeed. But when you observe the people on the internet who I call the keyboard warriors who want to flay, demonise, harass, intimidate, threaten or worse anyone who happens to hold a view that differs from their own. What level of argument is that, what does that say about human respect or lack of it, that is a problem.

[@smitemus]

From the way he phrased his answer to the anti-semitism question about his experiences it's quite clear that the anti-semite's were or still are in his original party.

[@crawford1083]

Brad West 46 seconds ago (edited) I believe JB when he says that Steptoe is not an antisemite, but he has fostered the anti-Israel and anti-Jewish sentiment in Labour. He has attracted the hard-left filth that Kinnock and Blair expunged from our party, and have now wormed their way back in, This is instructive, medium.com/@ericblairite/paranoia-panorama-my-part-in-the-downfall-of-the-labour-party-

[@babyprince84uk]

Please stop interrupting John Bercow while he talk

[@godmademefunky95]

Bercow was amazing in his tenure. All the complaints about him have arisen (at least seriously) since brexit. The man was dealing with seriously uncharted territory. In that respect, Ithink he did a fantastic job at sticking to what he had aleays done as speaker, ensuring that parliament was heard. You can call all the conspiracy you want. But at the end of the day, Bercow did only what he thought was right, and that's allI want from anybody in a positionof power.

[@connorcook6171]

He's a neo-Liberal parasite! And; you're a bootlicker!

[@ricardobimblesticks1489]

@@connorcook6171 You are, of course entitled to your opinion. Personally I disagree with you. I would also mention I'm so confident of my opinion I feel no need for ad hominem attacks, generally this implies an inability to counter the actual argument or statement at hand . A pity you can't say the same. x

[@connorcook6171]

@@ricardobimblesticks1489 "I disagree with you and I feel so confident in my opinion, that I feel no need to use ad hominems". What opinion?? LOL. Try to work out what you're actually disagreeing with me on, before attempting to counter me - It shows a lack of intellectualism on your part.

[@ricardobimblesticks1489]

@@connorcook6171 'He's a neo-Liberal parasite!' that dear Conner is an opinion, ofc I assume it's yours and not just something you are parroting.

[@connorcook6171]

@@ricardobimblesticks1489 "Bercow being neo-Liberal is just your opinion" - Yet, Bercow served high office in a neo-Liberal system, LOL. Also, you're supposed to use qoutation marks to qoute someone, not an apostrophe.

[@bobidou23]

At times it seemed as though he as hedging or evading - “well he’s entitled to that view” - but honestly, we probably all need to err on the side of giving our opponents too much credit, presuming the best of them, making our own statements less sweeping or declamatory.

[@NikoHL]

It's called Politics..

[@ethanmann3998]

Might also be because he's been the speaker for so long, so he's had these patterns of speech to remain impartial.

[@cmconley33]

It could also be that he recognizes that sweeping, generalized statements about political opponents from politicians gives people reason to believe that there is no reason to respect or even entertain opposing opinions, which is what has got us to this place where MPs resign due to death threats, or even worse, are injured or killed by political violence (Congressman Steve Scalise and Jo Cox MP). Sad to say, but Congressman Scalise hasn’t internalized that lesson, despite his brush with mortality, because he is still a solid Trump supporter, who has gone far out of his way to insult, libel, and threaten everyone with whom he disagrees.

[@LA-fr7fx]

These Alastair Campbell interviews are compelling listening. Hope he does more of them!

[@GregoryWonderwheel]

Bercow is a genuine guy. He is terrific and was the best ambassador for the House of Commons in the last 60 years. As a parliamentarian chair in the Speaker's role, he was a role model for all chairs in smaller organizations and a great articulator of parliamentary procedure. Bercow has a memory as good as anyone that amazes me entirely.

[@Rayblondie]

I disagree. Speakers are to keep order not bring biased politics.

[@GA-wq8xq]

Disagree also because he was biased and loved the sound of his own voice. Boothroyd and Hoyle are better.

[@BigLebowski2000]

@@Rayblondie he wasnt biased. That's just your opinion.

[@Rayblondie]

@@BigLebowski2000 Yes it is my opinion because I read deeply about it. Jeremy Corbyn was genuinely anti Semitic. In plain English a Jew hater just because they were Jews..

[@BigLebowski2000]

@@Rayblondie Your entitled to your opinion, no problem. I just see them as that and not as facts.

[@halfaworldaway]

I always felt Bercow gave a bit of extra flare to calling _Bambos Charalambous!_

[@quentonlennon7233]

Campbell accusing Johnson of being a liar with zero recognition of Blair and Iraq. Unbelievable.

[@robertnewell5057]

Not to me

[@connorcook6171]

@@elbobinho Every single fibre of Alistair Campbell, is wrong! The man should spend the rest of his life looking at four walls, for the destruction in the middle easy that has been consequence of his actions.

[@Swansea-hu5ok]

Past is past this is present. We currently have a lying PM !

[@Skepticalresident]

Exactly

[@davidcooks2379]

Campbell is not a liar, this was proven

[@jamessearing-i1048]

the man who penned Blair`s lies to the nation in 2003 accusing anyone else...the guy has no self-awareness whatsoever.

[@tommycundy]

King Brilliant you’re a ‘brexieer’ I suppose?

[@n11ono59]

You are clearly delluded. Hindsight is easy to use when a matter's been decided in a way you couldn't forsee the consequences of when you were making the choices.

[@ItsMe-yn6ql]

KEEP MAKING THIS SERIES! No matter what you think of New Labour, Campbell is a brilliant interviewer and is highly aware of politics, he's great in this role. The guests have been mostly stellar too

[@lucasade1234]

Fascinating Interview. Well done Alastair and GQ.

[@Theopinionnobodywanted]

The best Speaker in British History.

[@Theopinionnobodywanted]

Jimmy Green Yes, in fact I remember as far back as the very first speaker in 1376. Back then of course there was no tv, just a bugler who would ride to every town and tell people what was said. Admittedly some of the impact of the parliamentary address could have been lost in this manner, but the bugler tried his best, doing all kinds of funny voices and everything.

[@onge1981]

Another vote for Betty B. Bercow is nothing more then a clown

[@sophiemoconnell]

At the very least he's the most entertaining!

[@jamesrichards3183]

bercow is a tory, but he could see that corbyn is not anti semitic.

[@whitedovepink]

@@jamesrichards3183 Thank you for stating what''s true and right. Wish there are many people like you James - Don't change x

[@jamesrichards3183]

cheers, bercow is also jewish. i believe that when he was the speaker, bercow felt some sympathy for corbyn, maybe not initially, but he could see that this mild mannered man was being wrongly persecuted by tories on one side & some in the labour party as well. if you have watched pmqs in the past, there had always been respect shown by both corbyn & bercow towards each other - the kinder politics that corbyn had hoped all mps would display towards each other, despite what party they belonged to. corbyn is probably the most verbally abused politician today & yet, like somebody else with the same initials as himself, he has refused to condemn those abusers. ps, hopefully there will be a lot of 'snow flakes' on december 12th. all the best.

[@jamesrichards3183]

i like to give a different, truthful view about something which is a lie but is accepted as truth.

[@jamesrichards3183]

anybody can see that corbyn is not anti semitic, unless they are a zionist, a tory or a blairite; there has been no semblance of anti semitism by corbyn, either on film or the written word; corbyn persecutors have failed to find any proof, so they perpetuate a lie, either through the press, media, synagogues & other jewish outlets.

[@ginadean4206]

Great interview, John bercow is a good man

[@shanjanusman9974]

He's a d***head. Thanks heavens he's gone.

[@ginadean4206]

Shanjan Usman well one things very apparent,he is a much more intelligent man than you

[@billcoleman4258]

but... but... he was supposed to be impartial.

[@billcoleman4258]

@unitedwestand You DON'T think the Speaker is supposed to be impartial?

[@dommidavros2211]

He did a great job as speaker and will be sorely missed!

[@jasonkingshott2971]

Not missed by the people who he bullied.

[@cmconley33]

Within the first 10 seconds of this video you can see how much happier he is outside of the snake pit that is the House of Commons. He was a fantastic Speaker, but he did his duty for Queen and Country, and now is much happier to be outside of official politics. He should be made a Lord, if only to conform with precedent, but I don’t think he actually cares that much.

[@GoTfan-eb8tk]

It looks like he's lost weight as well.

[@awol2602]

I do not believe Jeremy Corbyn is anti-semitic either.

[@gladifly]

Yes, I believe Jeremy Corbyn is a mossad puppet, whom would never be "anti-semetic".

[@awol2602]

@Adam On the contrary I know many people who both care and agree. I take it you don't.

[@goodactiondaily8779]

awol2602 I agree. He has a good reputation amongst those who know him and those who he meets as being the opposite. He is anti-racism.

[@nickchandler9345]

Loved the Tony Benn impression @ 19:00 quite accurate

[@mervynsookun5995]

He was born to Speak 😀

[@thomasmohan9565]

The one thing I’ve learned from this is that Bercow LOVES doing impressions

[@adamhurd1560]

Until you call him out on it and then he goes really shy.

[@cmconley33]

He definitely has a talent for it!

[@mazzab1970]

Fantastic Tony Benn impersonation between 28:50 - 31:23 :D

[@nusratmedicine]

Learning more here, than from my English Language GCSE. Thanks for the lesson JB

[@Adonnus100]

Anyone (the channel perhaps?) want to post some timestamps so people can find the questions they are most interested in?

[@slomas8863]

Can anyone else see the irony that people obsess over Corbyn wearing a poppy whereas spindoctor general Campbell was integral in some of the worst foreign/defense policy blunders in modern history including the illegal war in Iraq!

[@adamrc6279]

Remind me why it was illegal?

[@will_doherty]

@@adamrc6279 Because it was based solely on (deliberately) fabricated and flawed "evidence".

[@VeeSeven700]

That's your opinion, Will. The evidence was clearly wrong in several ways. But going from that to prove that he or anyone knew it was untrue is a big leap that nobody has been able to prove. Not even a senior judge conducting an in depth enquiry.

[@stueymorris]

@@VeeSeven700 no it's not an opinion, the whole thing was false, there never was WMD's to start with, it was never about that, Gordon Brown said not long back that the Pentagon knew, of course they bloody knew and so did Blair & Co, Saddam Hussein said no to the petrodollar, that's what it was about, No different to Syria, Assad said no to Saudi who wanted to run a pipeline through. It's the case every time, Sarkozy wanted Gaddafi's gold, there was never a reason to go to war and as bad as those people were/ are they held bad bigger evils for what we're seeing today

[@stueymorris]

@@VeeSeven700 in-depth enquiry lol, that was a farse. Look at May, she committed an act of War against America which is Treason and the 99.9999% are none the wiser ffs

[@waynepatton718]

Fantastic Interview Alastair & John very enjoyable watching

[@TahirIqbal1978]

Give this man the FA Chairman job

[@shugaroony]

Wonder what team he supports. By looks I'll go he's an Arsenal fan.

[@BDMEDIAUK]

John Bercow is a legendary speaker a formidable orator, the office of the speaker has suffered a irrecoverable loss. I would hope John still plays a part in public affairs as he makes a very meaniful contribution to any debate. If John is not made a peer in the house it will not stand and many will not have it!

[@markydj416]

they know he's a disgrace to the office and a traitor

[@leftarium8607]

We all know Jeremy Corbyn is not anti-semitic. However, there are problems with antisemitism within the party, the same way it happens in other parties. The bigger picture here is who's politics can help root out the greater problems of bigotry and hate. Given the uptick in hate crime over the past few years, that's certainly not the Conservatives.

[@ConalRF]

@@Harihar_Patel what

[@Pierssy]

Hi I think the issue is people who want to show their disgust for the treatment the Arabs (Palestinians) in Israel & Gaza face, without getting to grips with the context or understanding the language that surrounds it. Words like Zionism, Israel etc. are used all to easily and with little understanding of the nuances and how misusing those terms can be deeply offensive and hurtful to people who may identify with those terms and also hold strong views about the treatment of the Arab population. Anti-Semitism is ingrained across or society and our culture and needs to be educated against. I do think AS has been used to shield the Israeli state in recent times from criticism of their increasingly hardline against the Arabs, and this is muddying the waters. I fear this is not a good thing for the fight against racism of all schools, nationalism is on the rise and that should frighten all decent people everywhere.

[@billcoleman4258]

The entire Jewish community thinks he’s an anti-semite.

[@wendemaunder5185]

@@billcoleman4258 Not all of them: www.jewishvoiceforlabour.org.uk/statement/ehrc-investigation-into-the-labour-party-evidence-of-jewish-voice-for-labour/

[@darrenharrison4546]

Don't speak for everyone I beleive he is anti semetic.

[@slothrr776]

They're very good these interviews. Thanks GQ!

[@evolassunglasses4673]

Both Left and Right need to talk about Israel MORE not less.

[@plasticpaddy5278]

sure, bds until they start obeying UN resolutions ok with you?

[@lukeg8466]

@@plasticpaddy5278 Sounds great!

[@Roy-ts9nv]

No, we can't risk the antisemitism. ALL speech on Israel must be regulated by an Israel-friendly state. The sensible left and the sensible right will agree to this.

[@Paranoid_Found]

Bercow must be happy for finally being free

[@BagofDreams]

I suspect he must

[@belverticale]

Yes Boris is a proven liar, however that may not be a line of questioning that you, Mr. Campbell, would be advised to pursue too doggedly perhaps. Liked the interview though.

[@davidcooks2379]

Alastair is not a liar. It's ludicrous to suggest this

[@GA-wq8xq]

Alistair did lie and is a spin doctor who at least stretches the truth

[@GA-wq8xq]

@Openside 7 well at least he didn’t sex up a dossier that led to war. As for Patterson the inquiry was not completely fair. How is Starmer doing with his GBP100k in extra earnings??

[@R00365]

Good chat. Thanks 👍

[@hugh1486]

How does Bercow have such a good memory!

[@thomasgeorge-gilmore950]

His memory is borderline Eidetic. He could recall every MPs name, birthday, constituency, what happened on dates etc.

[@jemerlia]

Sadly balanced intellect and informed understanding has no place in the Tory leadership.

[@sparkspark833]

John Bercow's very existence, proves that not all Tories are alien life forms who can't relate to reality here on earth

[@richardhealy]

Just most.

[@gigabit409]

He was going to defect to Labour. He was in the wrong party.

[@mlindalina1]

Thank you British GQ for uploading this

[@louisgrayson9057]

This guys variety of vocabulary is amazing

[@iMertin90]

I’m Scottish. 28. Want independence. Tempted to vote labour as I can’t stand the tories and still confident SNP remain top 2 in UK This all has been a shambles and truly affects people like me the working class. With no family. I think he done a good job as speaker and people were clearly heard! Just because he has a view it goes against him? But each other MP are allowed their view? This is why we need more working class in the government - simple as! Not any more jumped up charter house boys

[@kendoknackersackee]

You're probably best off voting SNP. I just hope England and Wales recognise what the tories will do the their people and give Labour a majority. I can understand your dilemma. 👍

[@DavidInSugarLand]

Of course he isn't anti-Semitic. He is only opposed to current right-wing Israeli gov't policies.

[@violinstar5948]

David Garvin and what about all the right wing Islamic Policies?

[@thomassaxton800]

@@violinstar5948 such as....

[@SaintSwithinsDay]

I'm a bit surprised that this is even a question. I don't think there is any evidence whatsoever to support the assertion that Jeremy Corbyn is personally an antisemite. The question is whether he has been slow or ineffectual to address the issue of antisemitism in the wider party. Only those who wish to smear Corbyn personally would fudge the issue by implying that he himself stands accused of antisemitism.

[@yesno9355]

@@SaintSwithinsDay exactly. There is no evidence that Corbyn is an anti semite, but his and the Labour leadership's dealing with the issue of anti-Semitism in the Labour party has been less than adequate.

[@jamesherold8655]

@@SaintSwithinsDay then why not say so he cant stay on the fence about every issue our government interfering started the problem. There are great divisions between socialist and the different versions of socialism and the jewish group between 1905/1917 in Russia these groups fought each other for power. i find it difficult to beleive that anyone with a modicum of intellect would beleive he dislikes ppl for religious or ethnic reasons but he is quite happy to use insult instead of policies as are all the parties it seems that the truth is getting harder to find as respect for the veiws of any one else are sneered at.How are these ppl the best leaders we can find

[@calumclark1719]

genuinely a great interview

[@mohsinrao4334]

23:34, I bet Alistair wouldn't have much liked people calling Blair a liar in parliament, despite the fact that he was a prolific liar. Just not about affairs and a love child. WMDs though....

[@rare6499]

unitedwestand infinitely more honourable that he knowingly entered us in to a war over false premises that he knowingly was aware would cost unimaginable money and result in huge loss of life. Infinitely more honourable you say.

[@iangascoigne8231]

Josh Charlie Did he though?

[@rare6499]

Ian Gascoigne to which point are you referring

[@iangascoigne8231]

Josh Charlie Was he told that Saddam did not have WMD’s because everyone else is being wise after the event. Did he knowingly lie? Have you got evidence that he did?

[@rare6499]

Ian Gascoigne www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/tony-blair-misrepresented-intelligence-on-weapons-of-mass-destruction-to-gain-approval-for-iraq-war-a6713401.html

[@sw9618]

Hello to my friends across the pond, I’ve been following UK politics regularly since the 2015 General Election, so my acute knowledge of goings-on before that is small. At the end, when Bercow highlighted his difficult relationship with David Cameron, assuming he meant a political one and not a personal one, can somebody please inform me of any specifics. What made their relationship difficult?

[@sandracox2666]

John Bercow, I am a fan and I wish you all the very best for you and your family

[@Careybear92]

I just really love John Bercow!!

[@ThePbrown777]

Campbell calls Johnson a lair? OMG, what a hyper-hypocrite!

[@AlMoxtar]

Don't they say that you need one to see one? It should be even more damning coming from him then.

[@anthonyking5414]

True, but let that blind you from the original point. What-about-ism doesn’t add anything to the debt and doesn’t change the fact that Johnson is an unrealistic, unreliable and pathological liar which makes him very very dangerous.

[@erictk869]

What a fantastic, erudite, courageous, loyal man. Bercow is probably the best speaker this country has ever had. Without doubt.

[@commonsensicle2231]

See a Doctor immediately.

[@billcoleman4258]

but... but... he was supposed to be impartial.

[@corinthiancolumnist7057]

Campbell: "We now have a prime minister who is a liar"...unlike his own former boss. Hypocrisy, much?

[@sambrooks7862]

So Campbell is calling boris a liar? Bit rich coming from the man who was instrumental in helping the war criminal blair decimate the middle east sending thousands of British service personnel to their deaths and creating the unstable threat to the safety of the entire world that the region has become. " I am absolutely convinced that there are weapons of mass destruction". Liar and traitor. Stange that the death penalty for high treason was repealed by blair?

[@johnhobbes2268]

@@sambrooks7862 Boris Johnson was in favor of the Iraq war. So a weak defense for the liar in chief.

[@tommycundy]

John Hobbes yeh I’m with you. And tbf hate his decision to invade or not, I think it’s unfounded to say he lied. The Levison Inquiry didn’t find anything about lying so your kinda just spouting opinion rather than fact if you call him a liar. And war criminal is just ludicrous and conspiracy theorist

[@sambrooks7862]

@@tommycundy ok so why did the Chilcot enquiry, which took 17 years, find that he (blair) knew beyond doubt that there were no weapons of mass destruction, although Chilcot stopped short of using the word"liar" it amounts to the same thing. And to say boris was in favour of the war is a pathetic, weak argument. Most of the house were in favour based on the so called evidence put forward by blair and his co conspirators. Evidence that we now know was a Web of lies. Besides I bet you can't name a single serving mp who has never been called out on a lie? The whole house is bent it's just a question of which way they bend.

[@sambrooks7862]

@@tommycundy also bare in mind that the supreme Court (which was commissioned by blairs chums) only said that trying him for war crimes would not be in the public interest. A far cry from saying that he is innocent.

[@geraldinemcgowan6666]

Alastair Campbell is a terrific interviewer--he really gets the politcos in GB to talk.

[@timcomley3241]

To be fair interesting interview.

[@Drirton]

I deeply admire that man. The way he speaks, holds himself, compartmentalises, forgives, and speaks candidly. I'm happy for him and will always make time to listen to what he has to say in the future. Great man.

[@anncothromoir1018]

You heard about the time he threw a mobile phone at someone's head, how it narrowly missed them and smashed against the wall into tiny bits?

[@inigoiraetau1903]

​@@anncothromoir1018you heard about the time that was actually proven? Me neither

[@anncothromoir1018]

Eeerm... it was one of the findings of the bullying inquiry - you know that one that had 35 complaints against him by various former colleagues?

[@EhabAlatipi]

Never knew that Bercow is a Jew!!! this is how modern democracy should be, about qualification and values not race nor religion

[@cmconley33]

As far as I am aware, he is about as secular as they come. He’s Jewish by ethnicity (his father or grandfather came from Romania and changed the family name from “Bercowitz” to “Bercow”), but from all appearances is not practicing. Who knows if he’s even a Bar Mitzvah. I don’t care one way or the other: a person is Jewish if they are of Jewish ethnicity, practice the Jewish faith, or both. I am actually a convert to Judaism; I was born Catholic, but that faith didn’t work for me.

[@cmconley33]

Tom Sanders I’m not even sure what that means...

[@Muzikman127]

@Mr Spoon His mother converted when she married his father, both his parents were Jewish, but only his father was born a Jew

[@j.x.x.r3645]

41:07 'disagree agreeably' so that's where that slogan comes from

[@avinbarana3015]

John is really honest person. Wish him the very best

[@sssssinead]

John Bercow you are simply the best and I wish you and Sally a beautiful family life 💛🙂

[@billcoleman4258]

but... but... he was supposed to be impartial.

[@andreamariedemaio9116]

Having very much respected and admired John Bercow as Speaker, I really enjoyed hearing his views and opinions during this interview. Parliament will not be the same without him!

[@Tomatotor]

« ORDERRRRR » for the last time !!!

[@lewisnairn7409]

I never figured Alastair Campbell, of all people, would be hosting one of the best shows going around. But he is. I think this series is wonderful.

[@leslie_rogers]

Interesting chat. Perhaps Campbell could let his guest finish their sentence before jumping in.

[@joetotale6354]

Listeners in Iraq cannot download this because they're dead unfortunately.@@leslie_rogers

[@a23m07y]

Love Love Love his voice of reason. Miss you John 💛

[@ozgurgerilla111]

Arsenal's new manager? Clearly, the players need a bit of an ORDER!

[@henrykjohn78]

Because he is not !

[@dnyhan]

Campbell nailed the Parliamentary system's vulnerability to exploitation by Johnson given the inability to call him a liar. Very prescient. The system is still failing...with a different Tory in charge.

[@robin231176]

Bercow gives a good account of himself here, but his answers are too long..he IS verbose!

[@davidcooks2379]

Funny that he was the "speaker", and this role does involve saying too much, but not too much of substance

[@stejjie]

Just on the point about accusing other MPs of lying in the house, Bercow's right that it can be done if you choose your words carefully. After Theresa May called the 2017 general election, Yvette Cooper effectively called her a liar and someone of whom "you can't believe a single word that she says", simply by pointing out where her statements contradicted what had actually happened, and wasn't penalised for doing so (clip here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKfCY5qDaMSreZo).

[@scooby1992]

There is a well told story of Dennis Skinner being asked to retract when he said ' half the Tories are liars ' and he said , 'OK , half the Tories are not liars ' or something like that !

[@MattBooth]

He was quick to say that he'd never experienced racism or antisemitism from anyone in the Labour Party. Only spoke about Conservative Party leaders. John Bercow isn't a fool and has spent 10 years choosing his words very carefully. There were lines to read between, there.

[@meliho9477]

Alastair Campbell is always interrupting the interview with either his words or with his gestures: Please look his finger hanging along between 07:58-08:04! On the contrary, John Bercow is trying to save his last words. I am curious about; does Alastair Campbell still think that this is a method of a healthy conversation?

[@ctrlaltdelete200390]

Bercow does like to reiterate the point that he's already obviously made

[@xaoc6084]

Talking about lying I find it rich coming from Alister and Tony Blair...

[@gibsonagg]

Hi One man: Attacked his neighbouring country using chemical weapons leading to 500,000 deaths. Attacked another neighbouring country and then refused a UN demand to retreat from the country. About 1,000 civilians were killed and more than 300,000 residents fled the country.[68] Attacked Israel using guided missiles. Attacked his own people, using chemical weapons killing between 3,200 and 5,000 people and injuring 7,000 to 10,000 more, most of them civilians. Tortured and murdered thousands of his own people. His actions bespeak a tyrannical despot who stopped at nothing to punish those who opposed him. Repeatedly violated sixteen United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCRs) designed to ensure that his country does not pose a threat to international peace and security. On November 5, 2006, he was found guilty of crimes against humanity in regards to the reprisal against Dujail. After an unsuccessful appeal, he was hanged on December 30, 2006. The other man: Helped to get rid of the first man to free his country from severe dictatorship and giving his people a chance of democracy and to save the middle east from further disruption He has been vilified for acting illegally. The Chilcot inquiry stated that the United Kingdom and the United States had undermined the authority of the United Nations Security Council and that the process of identifying the legal basis was "far from satisfactory", and that a war was unnecessary. If you consider the above you can only come to one conclusion.If this war was unnecessary then WHAT WOULD BE NECESSARY TO TO GO WAR

[@davidcooks2379]

@@gibsonagg the agreement of China and Russia

[@gibsonagg]

@@davidcooks2379 Apart from that

[@RYN988]

Mr. Bercow desperately needs a nose hair trimmer. That hair is out of ORDUH!

[@katherine3486]

Needs waxing. Soft wax on a lolly stick. Let it dry. and PULL !!

[@jam-nc8ut]

I can't take my eyes off it, and I have lost a lot of respect for myself for that fact. But I really can't look away.

[@stevegreen3897]

It is in good health because of you John. I have been interested in politics all my life. Surely we are still an important democracy. The country has a greater understanding and interest and in my view, more likely to engage than ever before: thanks to you.

[@herrklamm1454]

Well said, John.

[@oneoflokis]

Of course Jeremy Corbyn isn't anti-Semitic!! WHY would a decades-long campaigner AGAINST racism be anti-Semitic?? #RegisterToVote #JC4PM2019

[@oneoflokis]

@Phil gee Defeatism!! Why would you believe that, anyway?? Because the MSM told you so!! Groan!! 👎👎🙄😝 Bercow is both a seasoned politician and Jewish (and working-class) and he says not. So. You should admit you are wrong!!! As for Corbyn being a "bell-end" - where do you get THAT little tidbit of opinion from? The Bots' Guide?? 🙄

[@mariogmajner6549]

@Phil gee Ian Austin is racist.

[@ginadean4206]

I am Jewish and have been a supporter of Jeremy Corbyn for over thirty five years,, he is not anti semetic at all,,,anti apartheid yes,anti racist,yes,,anti inequality,yes ,,,,, don't believe what you read in main stream media owned by billionaires who don't want to pay their own taxes on the hoards of wealth they've accumulated off the backs of the working class

[@billcoleman4258]

Uh... because he hates Jews and hates Israel.

[@stevenseibel9216]

i admire him.

[@Kaleemofadia]

Good thorough interview

[@peterbutlin6065]

Brilliant, and a brilliant man...!

[@jacksonrocco5717]

Superb interview series. Bercow has ironically become the best actual speaker in England

[@henry9606]

Who was he talking about at the end?? I'd pay to know which MP said that to him.

[@SIXITHS]

I would bet good money on it being someone within his own party. Considering the added information of the person not wanting lower class people in Parliment (59:34), and what Bercow adds afterwards at 59:53.

[@blackpage3729]

Jacob Rees Mogg

[@henry9606]

@@blackpage3729 I dislike him, but he doesn't seem to be the kind of person to say something like that, even if he thought it. Maybe I'm wrong. Whoever it was, I think it would ruin their career.

[@jasmineluxemburg6200]

Bercow has natural dignity and as a speaker ensured that also prevailed in debate ! Big fan. Different political persuasion party wise ! But a principled adversary is due respect ! Especially when they put that aside to referee efficiently and fairly ! His popularity in my view, is well deserved !

[@jasmineluxemburg6200]

‘People like you “ Bercow are a credit to our country and deserving of the respect and affection which many of us hold you in ! Sincere thanks and best wishes !

[@sunnysjwinter]

Bercow is life

[@BagofDreams]

Really enjoyed that

[@OriginalRaveParty]

The best speaker in living memory. Thanks for ten exemplary years JB.

[@rainblaze.]

why do i get the impression the "individual" he was referencing in regard to the antisemitism was Soames🤔

[@antonoat]

Have to admit I enjoyed this interview.

[@paulconnelly4050]

Great interview

[@awesometruth6409]

I started to watch commons for the brilliance of John Bercow.Best speaker in history.Commons will never eeeever be the same againnnah.

[@commonsensicle2231]

I'm sure another HALFWIT will come along.

[@jordan-mariesunshine963]

A Hut same here. I won’t be watching again. Might catch up, depending on what the subject of the day.

[@christopherspavins9250]

I have to admit I too watched the Westminster proceedings to learn the machinations and procedures of The H of C's. This speaker will be the lasting legacy of, " Everything is an argument." He will be greatly missed. When can we buy his Ring Tone " Order"?

[@awesometruth6409]

@@christopherspavins9250 lol...ring tone.Ordaaaa.what a great idea!!!!

[@christopherspavins9250]

@@awesometruth6409 I would like to buy the Canadian rights. If the speaker would like I would like to have his voice " Orrrddderr " professionally recorded. If he likes he can reach me at [e-mail]

[@80sGeek]

Bercow is the best house of commons speaker and is hard to replace.

[@stenaldinho]

Do I enjoy posing myself hypothetical questions? *Yes,... I do*

[@cmconley33]

The Right Honourable John Bercow, former MP of Buckingham, is Britain’s version of Jon Stewart, with a dash of Stephen Colbert and John Oliver-if this man doesn’t do some stand-up comedy between his after-dinner speaking engagements, the English-speaking world will be cheated. And even even though our (current) president would quite disagree, as an American, I would have no problem housing him in Federally-subsidized housing at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue-if only the US Constitution permitted it!