What Actually Happens in the House of Commons?

[@kinga6347]

DIVISION. CLEAR THE COMMENTS

[@ProgShell]

king A the ayes to the right 420 the noes to the left 69

[@chinchenping]

@@ProgShell the ayes have it! the ayes have it!

[@Zeratul877]

eyes to the right 325 nose to the left 325 with the numbers being equal we are screwed we dont have a speaker lol

[@JaredSvB]

I believe you meant to say: *clears throat* DIVISIONNNNNNNNNNNN

[@Zeratul877]

@@ProgShell i was thininking of that but couldnt make up my mind if one side was more "happier" than the other lol

[@joaquinandreu8530]

I think I'll wait until this Brexit season ends and then I'll watch it again from the beginning. I'm getting lost in the plot and the cliffhangers are killing me.

[@Scylithen]

No spoilers of who dies mid-season & who dies in a self-sacrificing cliff hanger at the end of the season.

[@bujin1977]

@@Scylithen It would be a massive twist in the story if it's May who does the self-sacrificing. I think it's more likely that she won't turn up for a vote, the speaker will have the doors locked. Corbyn will realise that May isn't there and that something is wrong, tries to leave, but Bercow won't have any of it. In the meantime, Tom Watson will be lead down into the tunnels below the Houses of Parliament, get stabbed, and crawl to a big pool of green slime with a candle in it, and a few seconds later, the Houses of Parliament and much of the area of Westminster is engulfed in a big green explosion, while May watches on TV from Chequers, sipping a glass of red wine with a smug look on her face.

[@juch3]

The final season of brexit should have ended this march but because the show is so popular and appearently there are still many questions left unanswered they decided to extend it for another season.

[@Resolution001]

@@bujin1977 Idk seems repetitive saw this in some other political show

[@pinkyfull]

the hilarious, or depressing, thing is that this is a real event happening in real time that has real and long-term effects on millions of individuals around the united kingdom. It may seem like a funny story to most of us, and especially those NOT in the UK. But within the UK this could be feast or famine time depending on the outcome.

[@RurouniFlojo]

As a foreigner with no background knowledge of the houses inner workings, I greatly appreciate that you started at a basic level

[@hornetgamer8980]

Oh no, that's just our way with our own people, start simple and then decide how much complex we are interested in getting. An awesome approach in an educational context. Not so great when applied to a decision-making context, as we have discovered to our cost lately by making the seemingly simple decision first.

[@monstersince]

HornetGamer missed the subtle irony @Rurouni Flojo £3 a month you can subscribe to more TDLR news they'll read the back of a cereal box eh

[@ulodetero]

Presumably, clapping is banned so as to minimise noise and disruption. Well, that worked well, didn't it...?

[@KilroysKartography]

I'd love to see them resorting to Jazz hands instead

[@ruy7164]

It actualy makes a lot of sense, when someone is given a round of applause it is considered that the longer the better. Some round of applauses tend to take too long (there have been round of applauses over 10 minutes long)and in order to be able to use time more efficiently applauding is banned.

[@xtraspecialmango]

They should click their fingers in agreement & wipe the dirt from their shoulders when they disagree.

[@JonatasMonte]

@@ruy7164 Yes, that eerr eeeer surely must be terrible on the throat.

[@lc9245]

​@@lymphe It's true there are better functional parliament in Europe, but those parliaments are basically oligarchic with power in safe hands. No debate, noise are necessary. Others, similar to the British, are divided and confrontational and have many instances of fights breaking out. Politics is the same everywhere. This is why the Chinese are content with their government dictating how many children they should produce. Dictatorship works.

[@zerid0]

I think the MP's make lots of noise just because they want Berclaw to shout ORDAAAAAA. They just love it as much as we do :D

[@KKKKKKK777js]

Best part of the job. :)

[@rejvaik00]

Yep this is it. Any MPs that say otherwise are lying

[@Seraphim-yv9sn]

You made my day thanks

[@chriswhitenack5446]

OoorDAA...OOORda. :-D

[@marksimons8861]

Speakers have been saying "order" for as long as I can remember. In fact, all the set phrases have remained unchanged for a very long time.

[@xNathan2439x]

I love this channel I mean If brexit is good for anything, it is this channel.

[@Siriathion]

'ear, 'ear!

[@biocapsule7311]

Quite a few good channels, that's likely the only thing good that has come out of Brexit. I also recommend 'A Different Bias' channel, this YTer is very astute with layperson political analysis of what is going on with the process... his observations tend to be well reasoned and explain quite a lot. Then again, there is no shortage of rubbish Brexiteers channels.

[@pr0xZen]

Jonathan Pie though.

[@biocapsule7311]

+Pr0xZen Yeah, he is good too but he is more comedic entertainment then information.

[@xNathan2439x]

@@biocapsule7311 thanks for the recommendation! Im gonna check him out now

[@Pileot]

I could listen to this guy shout DIVISION all day, it fills me with so much joy I don't know why.

[@utkarsharyan]

Wierd flex but ok

[@quasarsphere]

I know exactly what you mean. The relish he puts into it is just awesome! I'm wondering if that's something specific to Bercow, or just what a Speaker of the House of Commons does.

[@generalmortars9490]

ORDER!

[@TR4R]

I find it annoying...

[@elijahfordsidioticvarietys8770]

You have no soul.

[@Norrikan]

_"It can all seem a bit weird."_ - I'd wager that's because it *is* a bit weird. In fact, I'd go so far as say that it is *very* weird. Other possible descriptors would include "insane", "baffling" and "absurd".

[@peterfireflylund]

"British".

[@Luredreier]

There we can certainly agree... As far as I understand it is illegal to make sounds while someone is speaking in the Norwegian parliament. Instead people queue up to speak. There's rules for how you can dress (any form of clothing with political meaning is strictly forbidden and you're not allowed to speak while wearing clothing that's revealing or casual, in other words it has to be nice clothing with certain cloths recommended), how you may speak while you *do* speak. Who you may speak with during dinners. Who you should talk with (the person to your left or right depending on what course of a dinner you got). There's even rules about how a e-mail should be shaped. With things like smileys being frowned upon. The parliament is taken *VERY* seriously. And people are expected to be present in the parliament and respect its rules at all times, even if committed for a crime you still have to meet up for the parliament and you'll serve your time in jail during your vacation and after your term if there's any time left. Honestly, the Norwegian parliament might be taking things a touch too far in the other direction, but still. On the whole I by far prefer our parliaments way of doing things...

[@GeneralBlackNorway]

@@Luredreier Norwegian parliament is a bit boring to watch though, almost every speech someone makes is to an empty room, kinda like the US congress. I wish we could be like the British, I want Jonas and Erna to shout at each other while everyone is cheering them on, lol!

[@agilemind6241]

@@Luredreier Every parliaments is different. In Canada MPs wear formal clothing and often wear different coloured ties/scarves to denote party affiliation. Clapping and cheering are aloud as is banging on your desk - until the Speaker calls enough.

[@xway2]

The British (and before that English) parliament has existed for several hundred years in a more or less continuous fashion. That gives plenty of time for traditions to be established. Also, the same rules from back then still apply unless there's a vote to abolish them, which there's often little reason to do (hence the "no swords" rule, for example).

[@yrobtsvt]

This video didn't answer the question! HoC is a lot more unruly now than it was 10 years ago... that being said, I was glad to learn what "division" means

[@tacs]

Why is it so? Because it is... (minor point - boo hoo - they can't clap). There answered! Think the question we want answered is: why is behaviour considered unacceptable in a debate, school, business meeting or court room tolerated (yea verily, celebrated) in the house of commons?

[@paulwalker2133]

Trust me it isn’t. There’s just more media coverage now because the votes are so crucial (or appear to be). It’s been like this for a very long time.

[@juch3]

It's because all those damn tv cameras so everyone feels obligated to put out a show.

[@TheSimmr001]

@@tacs because behaviour you can do in those enviroments, you can't in the commons. because a 427 seat room must seat 650 so even a minor conversation sounds loud. because rules get updated by acts of parliament and the acts for behaviour have never been updated

[@Imman1s]

He answered... they are not allowed to carry their swords inside, so parliament became a crowd of barking dogs without bite.

[@MoraFermi]

John Bercow would be a stellar MMA referee if he ever decided to change careers.

[@LoganSewell83]

I can picture him in the NHL ORDERRRRRRING fighting players to the penalty box.

[@rwboa22]

Or Bercow as a MLB umpire calling balls and strike behind the plate.

[@thomassherwood5061]

I remember that I got the opportunity to talk to an MP once about their job and I asked how they would give an abstain vote (neither yay nor no) and he said there were 2 options. The first was to not enter either lobby and you will be counted as absent (and therefore abstaining) but this could come across as bad to the constituents of they look at their voting records. The second (one that apparently the speaker doesn't like) is to enter both lobbies and get counted twice. This is also known as a positive abstention and so their presence is noted and they don't end up siding with either one. I thought this was interesting as its important but not talked about enough.

[@Poo0fi]

Oh god, I just realized now that non-native English speakers could totally mistake that for eyes and nose. Hahahahahha!

[@MrAnthonyDraft]

In all honesty, there is a distinction but it is indeed a slight one. Also... context matters. This is coming from a non-native speaker.

[@captainufo4587]

As a non native English speaker, I must say that this video is the first time I've ever thought about someone confusing Ayes for Eyes and Noes for Nose. They do sound similar to me, but come on, it's easily inferred from context.

[@OstapKomaryanskyy]

Even some native English speakers did, this was covered on BBC radio 1 recently

[@whyllastname949]

Yeah I was watching a parliament session and it was one of the biggest WTF moments in my life. I was already shocked by how crazy all the processes were, that I just accepted the fact that they voted by moving their eyes and noses in certain directions

[@Poo0fi]

@Cristian Baldi They sound similar because they sound exactly the same. There are various levels of English proficiency. It’s narcissistic to assume that just because you’re a non-native speaker, every other non-native speaker is at your level.

[@TheJtorres182]

House of commons is like Kabuki theatre, i find it so odd. Bercow even wears silly ties, yells orda like a cartoon and cracks jokes all the time.

[@Azmodaeus49]

It's funny when he says that still

[@eirikarnesen9691]

democracy is a show. it will imitate the level of "memenes" that society is currently under. there is no greater meme then open boarder socialism.

[@PhilipAlexanderHassialis]

Basically it's kinda almost a bit more civilised version of soccer fans on the verge of going at their sworn enemies across the playing field.

[@dragonsword7370]

That is a... Very apt description. Good job sir!

[@tomjeffersonwasright2288]

He has also made a ruling recently that may alter UK history for the next century. He has a sense of humor, yes, but is no buffoon.

[@asshatteryengaged813]

OOOOOOOOOOORDAAAAA, OOORDAA

[@MrRishik123]

OARDAAH

[@juch3]

Should have more emphasis on thr second syllable

[@OrangeUtan1]

DIVISIONNNNN!

[@redxsage]

That guy is a Superstar!

[@tsuk1yom1_00]

ORDAAAAAAAAAAH

[@shanew5012]

Great video, but I don't feel like you really answered the question:(

[@sophienugre4161]

I agree. The hear hear, close physical proximity, physical voting process and no clapping allowed answered some of it but not all.

[@Paul-zk2tn]

@@VN2L Yeah but why is the "hear hear" tolerated? Imo if an MP is not elected to speak and shouts anything, kick them out. Or even better, have a ten minute sin bin :P

[@MarkOfArgyll]

It's a number of factors. The traditions of The Lower House are often used as an excuse to be dicks. So they heckle like little children and try and be sarcastically smart by making fun of the others in an effort to make themselves look less foolish. This results in a copy of many playground situations around the world, with groups of people spending more time making fun of each other than answering questions. These tactics are used by the Conservatives (most of all parties) and Labour in ensuring that motions and votes either get voted on or not. It's perfectly lawful in parliament to speak over your given time and keep speaking so the 'others' cannot get a chance to speak that day. If a motion needs to be read or amended by someone, doing this effectively removes their democratic rights and powers to help their constituents or country. Why are they unruly? It's part of a childs political game.

[@sean1e100]

Absolutely... if I was unfortunate enough to be a patreon to this channel I’d be well hacked off

[@Walleggwp]

CLICKBAIT

[@MrWeAllAreOne]

Now i finally understand where Pink Floyd got the name for one of my favourite albums "The Division bell" Thank you.

[@quasarsphere]

The title was suggested by none other than Douglas Adams

[@jeroen94704]

That sound you hear is the sound of my mind blowing when I read your comment. I _never_ made that connection before.

[@Yawgrimas]

Aye! There are also bells they ring in the pubs and places around Westminister when an important vote is going to be made, so that MPs can leave wherever they are and get back in time to vote.

[@indigo-lily]

Wait, infamous? I thought people loved him.

[@Capt.Thunder]

People like him for his style, but a lot of people are questioning his impartiality over matters such as Trump and Brexit. So politically, yes, he is a controversial figure.

[@AtheistEve]

He has a dossier and/or ruling against him for some hanky panky and coercion of members - particularly female members. So I've heard. I think these allegations have been substantiated and he will be standing down at an appropriate juncture. But, fear not, there will always be _a_ speaker and they always seem to have their own style when it comes to shouting "Order, order" etc. Maybe TLDRnews should do a montage of all the previous recorded speakers doing the "Order, order" and "Division" yelps in the "What's up with the Speaker?" video.

[@CashelOConnolly]

JE Hoyes allegedly

[@CashelOConnolly]

He is,political bias on this channel

[@CashelOConnolly]

IndigoLily he is

[@ChristianIce]

Where do the unelected lords leave the swords?

[@pellejutterstrom]

still does not explain why they behave like children? constantly disturbing and making noise instead of listening like in most other governments in the world

[@candacen7779]

I think they're listening because they're clearly reacting to whatever is being said, but you're right, the House of Commons is its own special beast. I do know occasionally physical fights break out in other governments around the world (Japan, South Africa, etc.) but for the most part, they are still more well-behaved on a daily basis than the UK House of Commons.

[@deamongimli]

I think it may just be since it is so old. Hundreds of years ago barely (if even) elected individuals of wealth sat in the commons arguing over how the country should be run. It is likely that when new people got elected in they realised that one of the few ways their opinion is heard amongst the throng of voices is to be disruptive and it has simply continued to this day. Additionally you can blame Churchill as the cramped style of the commons may also be the answer - when the room was blown up in WW2 they discussed making it bigger to account for the larger number of MPs but Churchill (and others) said no. I believe there is a literal quote from Churchill out there about how he enjoys the confrontational nature of the room.

[@thenonexistinghero]

They actually don't listen in most governments because they couldn't care less unless you're handing them a big bag of money.

[@tosh40638]

There is some point to the "hear hear" noises they make. If the house agrees with you on 90% of what you said and disagrees with 10%, you will know what parts they don't agree with. If no one made any noise, the motion will go to a vote, get voted down, and you might not know why that happened. Then you'd have to spend days talking to hundreds of members to figure out what it was they didn't like about your motion.

[@Loostyc]

​@@tosh40638 Yes, in normal countries all MPs can make a speech before the vote and then they press a button. :D

[@MatBird93]

Hey I know it’s not Brexit related but could you do a video on the EUs article 13?

[@MrBizteck]

I would like that. But I reckon Brexit is just too consuming.

[@alee_enn]

As it's a channel about UK politics, maybe a video on whether we'll enforce the EU Copyright Directive after we've "left" the EU (in speech marks as the effectiveness of how much we have truly left the EU is debatable.)

[@lazyking8246]

@@alee_enn Well the Copyright Directive at its own is a good thing. Only some article in it are not so smart. You only have to change them a bit. That is why we only protest about article 13 and a bit 11 and 12.

[@SheyenneSky]

I think it's been renamed article 17 now. All the more reason for a video :)

[@ionlyfearphobophobia]

It's related, it's a good reason to not be in the EU.

[@33sheih]

title is misleading. this is basically an HoC intro/101, not discussing in depth the reasons MPs look so confrontational/ tend to grandstanding during debates and mainly PMQ. sorry to say its the first time i didn't really feel I learned something of value from one of your vids (the 2 sword length anecdote was nice but surely isn't enough to justify a 10 minute vid)

[@SwissSareth]

Well, they're grandstanding because they're politicians. It comes with the job.

[@33sheih]

@@SwissSareth didn't use to . At least not to the same extent. From the title I assumed he will touch on the reasons for this trend - when and how British politics became so divisive and whether that came before brexit and maybe contributed to the public atmosphere that led to the brexit side winning the referendum or maybe its a result of it.

[@tygonmaster]

@@SwissSareth That is an insanely narrow-minded thing to say and shows you do not know how politics run in other countries....

[@loraxdavewalters2696]

Do MPs get swords? There is a ceremonial mace, like Canada has.

[@verycasul]

If i am not mistaken, the sword anecdotes was used because if MP cross the line when someone is speaking, the need to duel

[@Attlanttizz]

Do you think Berkow is having fun in his role?

[@tygonmaster]

He seems like a fun-loving kind of guy. From his over-the-top speech patterns to his over-the-top delivery...yeah. Seems so.

[@noralexmicky6270]

A lot

[@russellg5022]

@@tygonmaster he's quite talented at impressions, too. Does a good one of the late Tony Benn.

[@manuvirajkhare]

Definitely

[@Spectacurl]

And his ties. He knows he is being watched and because he has a great sense of humour he got for himself the best ridiculous ties collection.

[@jameslewis2635]

Does anyone else think that after all that shouting of 'Division - Clear the lobby!" the speaker must have a sore throat? I feel like we should send him some strepsils or something.

[@seanet1310]

I do like the independent nature of the speaker. Australia has had some horribly biased speakers and it greatly affects the ability of parliament to run. One of the worst things Westminster didn't give out

[@elijahfordsidioticvarietys8770]

I'm not quite sure that I would say that the most recent speaker has been like that. Quite entertaining though.

[@aja3193]

Interesting video, but didn't really answer the question

[@ODDBALL1011]

I think it gives you a good idea about why the house it unruly to be honest. The size of the hall, the amount of people in it, the way of voting, the inability to clap, I would say that it lends itself to very organised chaos, and when one or two people start to be unruly (because they are all school children, lets be honest), I could see it sounding like many many people were being unruly.

[@Pfooh]

@@ODDBALL1011 There are many parliaments around the world. Most are larger, i agree with that. But in almost none of them are you allowed to clap. And in all of them, the rule that you're supposed to keep your mouth shut when somebody else is speaking is enforced. For instance, in the Netherlands, the only 'permitted' sound of approval is soft finger-drumming. You can and will get removed if you would behave like an unruly child.

[@ooooneeee]

@@Pfooh parliamentarians are allowed to clap in many parliaments. e.g. in the German Bundestag. It's the audience and media/press who aren't allowed to clap.

[@Pfooh]

@@ooooneeee 'Allowed to' has different meanings in different contexts. In the Netherlands, it's not explicitly forbidden for parliamentarians, but it is considered rude to disturb anybody speaking. That means, you can't clap to show approval, like the British 'hear hear'. Applause is reserved for special occasions and would only happen when the whole chamber participates (e.g., when somebody is leaving). The public has to remain quiet at all times.

[@RisingMooon]

It's really weird to me that they banned clapping, I mean, it got replaced with something just as loud, if not more at times so it's like, why xd

[@SteveGouldinSpain]

The big question for me is how does the speaker remember the names (and constituencies and titles) of all 650 mps. He must have a memory like an elephant!

[@andrewmelidy2850]

He has a list available to him

[@SteveGouldinSpain]

@@andrewmelidy2850 I'm sure he does but he still has to match up the names to the faces...

[@dabbasw31]

The speaker is usually a person who has already been MP for several years. For example, John Bercow is MP since 1997. Even though the politicians in parliament sometimes change, after 22 years you know most of the people.

[@rubicon24]

The question is “John Bercow is infamous”. As many as are of that opinion say AYE! Of the contrary, NO!

[@MultiVigarista]

The ayes have the ayes have it

[@manuvirajkhare]

AYYYYEEEE!!!!!!

[@rejvaik00]

I believe it is he is in famous, he is famous bc we luv his mannerisms

[@kempyboi123]

I don't agree that john bercow is "infamous" A lot of people have a lot of respect for him, me included

[@El-clartitan]

Agreed, no need to clear the lobby

[@Capt.Thunder]

And a lot of people are iffy about him, which is why he is infamous. He is a controversial figure.

[@skulleeman]

I have a feeling that the meaning of the word infamous is different with some speakers of English. Perhaps it's just starting to change. This meaning is someone who one may respect for but has a reputation for being in some respects either harsh, stubborn, tough-demeanored, or sometimes even simply a maverick. It's hard to pin down exactly because I don't hear it in this sense too often. It could just be me misinterpreting things.

[@theronerdithas2944]

SO THE AYES HAVE, THE AYES HAVE IT, UNLOCK!

[@El-clartitan]

@@skulleeman I always understood the term as: 'famous for unsavoury reasons'. He may have been the centre of controversy at times but I think he's more well known/famous for his ability to speak well/saying ordaaaaaa! Etc. It'll of course depend on individual exposure of him though.

[@rejvaik00]

I'm a simple man I see a video by TL,DR with the speaker John Bercow in it. I click

[@tosh40638]

Yup. I love how they had to put a copious amount of Bercow clips in the video. If it were any other speaker you'd be asking "why are they putting clips of speaker saying they same thing over and over?" but because it's Bercow, no one is complaining.

[@rejvaik00]

@@tosh40638it's because Bercow is a national treasure 🤣

[@Erinyes1103]

Wait, MPs aren't allowed to carry their swords into parliament?!... Wait... MPs still carry swords!!...

[@Luredreier]

I very much doubt that. The point is rather that there's a law banning them from doing so in case they ever wish to actually do so. The modern equivalent is probably leaving the gun by the doorway...

[@Erinyes1103]

​@@Luredreier, it was a joke. I'm fully aware that MPs don't wander around wielding swords. I believe that the original quip in the video stems from the fact that the cloakroom hangers still have ribbons on the hangers, which were originally intended for hanging swords. If memory serves, the banning of weapons in the house is among the oldest laws in the UK, dating back to 1267.

[@psikogeek]

*END THE SWORD PROHIBITION*

[@anlumo1]

@@Luredreier People in the UK aren't allowed to carry guns anywhere, and I assume that includes MPs.

[@taoliu3949]

Its weapons and armor of any sort in general. It's so that MPs can't intimidate each other with weapons etc.

[@hannah-xo5ss]

wait, so "unlock" literally means they're unlocking the doors??

[@TheCebulon]

You did not answer your own question.

[@MrExEssex]

2:20 "Infamous"? You mean 'well-known', surely?

[@ujai5271]

Clapping is banned, so people shout? And nobody in Britain thinks that is weird and makes them look bad?

[@squid3575]

No.

[@B0M0A0K]

"Slightly archaic 'Aye'". Not if you live in Scotland, where "Aye" is regularly used even today.

[@gawkthimm6030]

its the procedure of the whole thing thats archaic, not the word 'Aye'

[@LadyDoomsinger]

Why does the speaker have to yell all the time? He has a microphone, doesn't he? And the video really doesn't answer why the MPs are behaving worse than kindergarteners; even children know that you don't shout or interrupt when someone is speaking, and what is the point of not being allowed to clap (which I assume is to avoid disruption), if they just shout instead? Also isn't the point of having a speaker to decide whom gets to speak in an orderly fashion, rather than having everyone shout at each other? Do the MPs have no respect for the speaker, or general decorum? And why on Earth do they insist on the archaic practice of shouting "Aye" and "No" or physically moving to the left or right to announce their vote? Get into the 21st century and press a button already. Or they could even just be given color coded flags to raise to signal their votes, if they absolutely insist on living in the medieval era. Quite frankly, while the video explained quite well how the house of commons work, it did not (in my opinion) satisfactory answer why the MPs are so out of control. More importantly if the House of Commons only seats 427, while actually having 650 individuals inside - isn't that a violation of fire safety protocols?

[@DickerSandmann]

be thankful they no longer demand the right of the first night

[@misium]

I second that question. Hear hear!

[@markparker5585]

I assumed it was like buses and trains, where only so many people can be seated, but quite a few more can also stand before they are deemed overloaded and any H&S violation.

[@Matthijs3476]

who, not whom. Not everything has to be a special word. And also, I agree with you.

[@deamongimli]

The method of simply pressing a button makes it a lot easier to make mistakes and also opens the potential for MPs to vote for other MPs.

[@nikoladoctorov553]

Best politics channel ever made

[@PaddyPower_IRL]

Also I noticed the reason for “ayes to the right” “noes to the left” it’s literally... if your an ay go to the right lobby, if your a no go to the right lobby...... Simples

[@MerlinGal]

So the place was built unable to accommodate 223 of the 650 members? What do they do if everyone shows up?

[@soggymarshmallow]

04:00 Bercow doesn't so much say, "as many as are of that opinion say aye", as he says, "asmanyasareofthatopinion say AYE!".

[@Trazynn]

"If we create a constitutional crisis, does that mean we no longer have to leave?"

[@cysioland]

"Division, clear the lobby" in Bercow's mouth sounds like a badass battle cry.

[@mishapurser4439]

"two sword lengths". But what type of sword? An arming sword? A rapier? A sabre?

[@jotdoc]

Indeed, the rule of leaving swords in the cloakroom is most unfortunate. :)

[@alexhayden2303]

Mr Speaker: 'I have neither eyes to see, nor tongue to speak, in this place, but as the house is pleased to direct me, whose servant I am here'.

[@567secret]

In modern times does the speaker ever actually declare the ayes / noes to have it before declaring a division?

[@33sheih]

its actually quite common when not debating divisive subjects such as Brexit. most votes on "normal days" are declared by the speaker according to the his judgement of the calls

[@hyksos74]

Yes. If no one shouts aye or no, then the side that shouted has it.

[@kategrant2728]

Also, remember Parliament doesn't just vote on matters of legislation but also parliamentary. Parliament has to have a vote for example, just to adjourn for the evening. Not exactly a decision anyone wants to do a complete voting process for.

[@dario110011]

I was watching a Livestream of the UK House of Commons and I saw the speaker call to vote to adjourn the day's session. Everybody shouted aye and no one shouted no, so he just said the ayes have it.

[@owlman_]

Yup, it happens very often and it saves a lot of time. However, since Brexit is so controversial, the voice vote is much less obvious. Even then, procedure must be followed.

[@lenapistone7135]

This is more fun than American political theater. I want more!

[@jsilk0807]

Thank you! This was extremely helpful in helping me understand what's happening.

[@Lorentari]

Looking at this I'm starting to wonder if MP's actually know what "internet" is

[@BenSalernoMedia]

You guys have been working so hard; I really appreciate it. As someone on the outside looking in to UK politics, these have been extremely enlightening, and make sense of things that most media doesn't seem to want to bother with explaining.

[@ChesVlog]

I like how I'm learning a lot about UK politics/govt from this channel

[@dancingshiva7008]

"OHHDAAAAAAAAA!" Swords, clapping, (or not, in this case), bobbing, shouting... Very, very different from business here in the US, where you could hear a pin drop and where congresspeople literally fall asleep.

[@aperson22222]

There really are slots for swords in the cloak room.

[@norbertfischer5855]

The house of commons with all their silly traditions and rules reminds me of Blernsball from Futurama... MULTI-BAAAAALL

[@simon5007]

This is one of those explanations that is so common in the UK. It explains how this came to be, but not why you are still doing things this way. Just like the hot and cold tap in bathrooms. "Oh, because back in the old days you used to have hot water from a tank that could be infected, thus to avoid bad water entering the fresh water supply you have to use different taps". Sure, I get it, but why are you still doing things this way now? On the subject here. Once upon a time someone thought it was a good idea to have people shouting at eachother, and a 4 meter gap to avoid stabbings. But why are you still doing it today? Do you still really want to have a parliament that look and acts like angry 5 year olds? Why don't you change things? "Once upon a time someone thought this was a good idea" isn't really an explanation for why things are the way they are today. And when it comes to parliament, I'm ashamed of them, and i'm not even a native!

[@adamiqmal9627]

Non-brit here, quick question, why does the HoC have a limit on how many MPs it can sit in one sitting, wouldn't that deny the voting chance of some MPs, and as an extension, a perceived hindrance to democracy?

[@ashtoni8683]

Thank you. Your videos have helped me grasp uk politics more (I'm an American)

[@richjamal8553]

who cares??

[@SuperLaviathon]

Please don't speak badly of Bercow! He’s a British HERO

[@blacklanner5795]

Every time he yells division I laugh uncontrollably. He's so great.

[@Desheep]

7:33 for the fucking discussion in the title. "Forgive us if this is super basic, but we need to fill out a relatively simple question to get us up to the 10 minute mark"

[@gerardwhittaker1631]

Why is the government so unruly? The children are running the school.

[@brandonjohnson9876]

The UK system is so much more exciting than our system in the states...

[@scottalbers2518]

Very helpful video! The graphics are absolutely great.

[@Armaterion]

Comparing the HoC to the German Bundestag, which I was only used to until Brexit as a German, is just ridiculous. 80-90% of MPs would have been removed regularly from the Bundestag if they behaved there like they to do daily in the HoC.

[@jesuszamora6949]

I can't imagine this being tolerated in either houshe of the US Congress.

[@ragzaugustus]

That is an amazing outdated and silly way to vote, the Danish Parliament have literal buttons at their desks. Then again, we actually build a goddamn parliament room large enough to actually contain the ENTIRE parliament.

[@sandybrownonyt]

It's a pantomime

[@SamuelKristopher]

I'm also astounded at how desperately the British political system still clings on to tradition. It seems to me like a real sort of elitism, although I think deeper down it might be a sort of complex, like they can't accept that their once great empire is nothing today, as if this antiquated system allows them some delusion that there's something grand and royal about the way they do things. The best thing that could happen out of Brexit is a fundamental rethink of the way Britain does politics

[@TheNextFool]

Oh no it isn't! @@sandybrownonyt

[@erebusvonmori8050]

That's because they're in a listed building I believe so renovations need approval, and not by MPs. Somewhat ironic that they've little to no say in that. Smart thing to do would just be to build a new building for the purpose, but that wouldn't be much of a vote winner so it won't happen.

[@kategrant2728]

I mean, isn't actually meeting and having literal buttons at their literal desks in itself a little outdated in 2019? It seems like if they were serious about modernizing, there's nothing an MP can do that can't be covered by telecommuting.

[@kstarks9049]

Thanks for the video.

[@LukeFaulkner]

Bercow's tie reminds me of Elmer the Patchwork Elephant.

[@dupontofficial]

finally, someone's addressed the elephant in the room

[@heresasoundcomment]

haha love British humour

[@Pingthescribe]

As someone who interned at Westminster this past summer, I can say those bells are LOUD. They could wake the dead if they wanted to!

[@viciouswindstalkers]

ORDAAAAAH. ordah... HERE'S THE BODY: Eyes on the left, nose on the right. The nose have it, THE NOSE HAVE IT!

[@schwenke069]

Eyes to the right ... notes to the left. Can it be the other way around? Best I can tell from this video, right and left refer to the physical direction of the lobby that holds the eye vote (right), and the physical direction of the lobby that holds the no vote (left) ... from the speakers perspective. But I could be totally wrong.

[@PoppoInc]

How about, "Tactics in Parliament", like whipping the party to shout out the leader of the opposition; getting a speach coach for your party; the Tory-Power-Stance; having someone ask you an easy question in pmqs to give you a chance to boast about stuff.

[@DanGolag]

Wait, so Pink Floyd's "The Division Bell" refers to Parliament?

[@quasarsphere]

Yes indeed. And the title was suggested by none other than Douglas Adams

[@naruciakk]

Bercow INfamous? Are you kidding me? He is the sole reason I watch UK parliamentary debates

[@hjc9114]

I laughed every time I heard 'DIVISION! CLEAR THE LOBBY'

[@tisho91]

Me too haha! And while I was picking my clothes today from the washing machine to iron them was thinking of the exact same phrase time and time again :D

[@hjc9114]

@@tisho91 haha perfect opportunity 😂 DIVISION! CLEAR THE SOCKS!

[@TheLocoUnion]

I have another question from the U.S. .... why do the clerks bow their heads towards the speaker before they read off the vote?

[@yayisuppa8523]

We always have this discussion with my boyfriend. Both of us are non native UK/english speakers. We have a more european related house, where everyone has a turn to speak and is disrespectful to shout when others are talking. Here is common currency and he always complaints about it. You can’t understand UK without understanding how much they love tradition. For me it’s kind of exotic and fun and even more entertaining to hear. But as Tevye in the Fiddler on the Roof says, TRADITION! TRADITION!

[@Ticklestein]

I’m so glad you took the time and gave a subject as the House of Commons the brevity it deserves, and didn’t restrict yourself to the 10 minute mark.

[@deebo27]

Good explanation, one question, what does 'unlock' mean that the speaker shouts?

[@AussieRail]

It was explained (although not directly) in the video. When a Division is called, the doors are locked after 8 minutes. This allows for the counting to be concluded and ensures that MPs have had ample, but limited time to reach the correct lobby. Once the result has been announced by the speaker, he gives the instruction to unlock the doors, since the Division is now conclided.

[@sweethibiscus2514]

Todd Wright Thank you for that! I thought that’s what it was but I wasn’t 100% sure.

[@sirloin8745]

Another great video. I wish our school had taught this stuff! Have you thought about posting this to every Comprehensive school in England? Thanks.

[@frbo9002]

Thank you! Always wondered about the "clear the lobbies", because I've read about the lobby system you have and found it quite contradictory! Aren't they supposed to BE in the lobbies, not CLEAR it. Well now I know :D

[@quasarsphere]

He's telling everyone who's currently in the lobby to get the fuck out so they don't confuse the count when all the MPs come in.

[@macbuff81]

I really like the lively and vigorous debates in the Commons. That's exactly how it should be! Bercow is doing a great job there in using humor as well as wit to keep the discussions on point. "Unruly" is good. It forces MPs to be engaged in the debate.

[@tosh40638]

Agree completely. I think a lot of people can't resist the temptation to act holier than thou which is why you see so many people saying things like "why are they acting like children?" The UK is divided, and there is a lot of anger in the country. The UK Parliament is representing the people.

[@dms1131ds]

Unruly? Have you seen the Australian Parliament?

[@ooooneeee]

Guess which parliament that one is based on.

[@RedKornah]

Have many others pointed out that it’s spelt ‘metres’ in the UK?

[@JaredMillsIA]

Wow, thank you for this video! I know a lot about US politics but UK politics has always been so opaque to me, but I feel like I actually understand a bit of what’s going on now.

[@HamletNOR]

Damn! You guys have been very busy lately with making videos! Keep up the great work!

[@davidt8936]

Do you guys do any other governments? Your format is awesome for learning the workings of the government perhaps you could do a TLDR for other styles of government, I would love to see these type of videos explain the insanity in the American system. Though it will not be nearly as fun as Brexit!!

[@tosh40638]

Right now they're struggling just to keep up with the daily twists and turns of brexit. Have some pity, these guys need to sleep sometimes.

[@BOLPutube]

David US Congress isn’t nearly as unruly and entertaining as the UK Parliament. This looks like WWE compared to ours

[@davidt8936]

@@BOLPutube I cannot fully agree with that as I have seen some of the most credulous and over the top arguments from our government senators and congressmen/women. When I watch the debates in Parliament I do not get that sense just drama for drama sake like you do in our debates and filibusterers. It seems like the vast majority of MPs speak to make cogent points. In America it seems like evidence based debate is in the minority. Granted it might be a perception but it is a very strong one.

[@davidt8936]

@@tosh40638 I never demanded they are more than welcome to get rest, but they did ask and I answered so...

[@IkeOkerekeNews]

@@davidt8936 Nobody cares.

[@Edzter]

this sounds both chaotic and organised at the same time, i'm so confused

[@clutchyfinger]

I'm not interested unless it's about ORDAH.

[@jalilcarreno]

I'm from Mexico and I find your videos pretty educational... please keep doing them, I learn a lot from you guys.

[@cheydinal5401]

I don't know, is it so out of control?

[@johngibson2884]

Your clear-cut ,concise explanation of the process ...along with very effective visual aids ,simple and to the point, have led to my subscribing . Good show

[@_J.F_]

Whether MP’s are allowed to clap or not, all that shouting makes them look, or sound I suppose, like a bad hen night spinning out of control. They are supposed to be well educated, civilised, and intelligent leaders of our country, and yet this mayhem seems to be the only thing they really excel at. Start focusing on being politicians and skip the historical re-enactments please!

[@tosh40638]

Are you saying this doesn't represent the current state of the UK?

[@issy0613]

This channel has been what's bridging the gap between the overly complicated Brexit mess and my confused mind. The media often refers to concepts and terms I have no idea about, but this channel makes it finally get it. Thank you for helping me learn about UK politics!

[@angelic8632002]

If you are familiar with human psychology and its biases, you know what a shit show this is(doesn't matter if its half tradition/any other excuse you can come up with). Bringing this much emotions into this practically makes it impossible to rule the country effectively.

[@tosh40638]

If people's anger is adequately represented in Parliament it's significantly less likely to manifest itself in the streets. When your country is so deeply divided with a significant proportion of the population hell bent on going down a destructive path, how should that be represented in Parliament? Do you really want MPs just going about their business like it's just any other day? The US Congress is significantly less rowdy than the UK Parliament, do you think that's right given that their president has declared a state of emergency in order to illegally take away their power? Personally, I want my representative to shoot as loud as they can if something is going horribly wrong with my country.

[@angelic8632002]

@@tosh40638 You missed the point

[@tosh40638]

@@angelic8632002 Was it your point to be holier than thou, and bring up some vague mention of psychology to make yourself feel smart? This is messy business, if you feel the need to stay above it all, that's fine. But don't lay down judgement on people whose jobs require them to get their hands dirty. Your sensibilities aren't better than anyone else's.

[@angelic8632002]

@@tosh40638 Not at all. Stop being an ass

[@tosh40638]

@@angelic8632002 I'm rubber and you're glue; whatever you say bounces off me and sticks to you. Do you think you're raising the level of discourse by calling me an ass?

[@Maciekmoc]

This is surely my favorite youtube channel right now. Your coverage on this ongoing brexit circus is outstanding!

[@ArkTolei]

It's really amazing how resistant governments are to updating their fundamental processes. The administrative technology on display here is seems designed for a time when the MP's were not even expected to be literate, but with even basic mechanical (not even electrical) technology and a correctly sized room they could probably cut voting time bloat by an enormous margin. Less time voting means (in theory) more time doing research so you can vote effectively. Just think about it. It takes 8 minutes before they lock the doors and begin counting. It presumably takes what, 20-30 minutes to fully count and present the results of a vote that could be recorded with 2 levers in 5 using pre-electricity technology? Ignoring entirely the possibility of an electrical solution that could get you a reported total within 30 seconds.

[@foobargorch]

death cults value their rituals

[@iii-ei5cv]

As an American, I love watching parliamentary sessions

[@dkevans]

7:57 "...with the Government and Opposition literally facing each other..." The distance between the two red lines on the floor of either side is exactly two sword lengths.

[@bigxxl7896]

Love this vid, more like this please! It helps provide context to your other videos, I'll actually kinda understand what's going on now

[@tertrih9078]

DIVISION!! I love that :D Why does he shout it? Haha

[@Daneclaw]

Was explained in the video lol.

[@SaurianSavior]

Thanks for explaining the basics. You can never go wrong with them.