What is the Role of the Speaker? - TLDR Explains

[@peterratcliffe7452]

Please do a video about British constitution; it would be really interesting. Edit: Wow thanks for the amazing support

[@qtheplatypus]

Peter Ratcliffe there isn’t really a construction

[@asshatteryengaged813]

Here, here

[@thepodcastcrew1113]

Yessssss!

[@CharalamposKoundourakis]

@@qtheplatypus There is - it's just not coorporal

[@melloncollic]

Yeah please do that.

[@johnchessant3012]

"I don't require any assistance from some junior minister. An absurd proposition!" LMAO

[@MrPigglywiggly9]

4:09 the best bit haha

[@plainluke722]

he didn't have to do him like that LOL

[@thomass3036]

was that during dennis skinner calling the prime minister as dodgy dave? EDIT: yes

[@leodouskyron5671]

Got to explain the constitution in the UK 🇬🇧. How can you have constitutional conventions and rules with no written ...rules!

[@asshatteryengaged813]

Aye. The history sounds fascinating.

[@gedizaksit]

Tradition, case law, precedents... Written constitution is predictable and orderly but isn't absolute. It requires the same treatment as an unwritten constitution.

[@victorlloydrichards]

Why no constitution very strange as why nothing gets done

[@gedizaksit]

@@victorlloydrichards US has a Constitution even with corrections amendments, and yet they have a hard time agreeing even to a budget!

[@Tobberz]

The constitution *is* written, just not codified. It's written not just in 1000 years of laws, but also in academic papers and books. The UK is in a weird situation in which many government and parliamentary sources are actually scholars, who have written their own theories on the mystery that is the constitution.

[@kinga6347]

His job is to say *DIVISIOOOOON* *CLEAR THE LOBBY*

[@Ashbash-kf5xd]

QUESTIIIONS FO THE PRIME MINISTA'!!!!!!!

[@jacobtapianieto9655]

But most importantly... OORRDAAAAHH!!

[@TheOlian04]

Question: Where does the rule that you're not allowed to clap come from?

[@MeatBunFul]

Common sense?

[@FDeeKay]

Arnan but the fact that what should’ve been common sense becomes a rule (whether written or oral) implies that someone has done it before it became a rule, thus making it neccesary to stress that particular rule (once again, whether written or oral). This is the foundation of all those stupid rules from around the world.

[@BlockBustersSpeedrunning]

@@MeatBunFul idk man, the situation as it is now is probably worse then being allowed to clap

[@bluedogtransportwa]

you can see them clapping in the clip where Bercow takes his seat for the first time, so what are the exceptions to the clapping rule?

[@Amozmusicmaker]

Having assisted to a few debates during protests and occupations in France, I can say clapping can become pretty disruptive pretty quickly. That's why it's quite common for it to be forbidden, and instead people are encouraged to use certain predetermined hand gestures to express their opinion while someone is speaking (shaking hands in the air instead of clapping, crossing forearms to express opposition, turning hands to indicate the speaker is repeating themselves and so on). It can look kinda ridiculous at times but when everybody abides it does make the debate go smoother

[@alexlaza5301]

"However, unfortunately, Bercow didn't continue this" No, but he made it ten times better with his ties.

[@Minihood31770]

It's vitally important that we understand our political institutions that govern our lives, and I'm disappointed how little I was taught in school. I would love more videos on this topic.

[@mobiuscoreindustries]

Same here in France. People vote for things they don't understand. When I ask them questions about stuff like economics and immigration and global trade it's like they barely understand there is something beyond their town, and those are the guys that ultimately decide which jarheads are going to be ruling next.

[@PaulGaither]

I cannot speak for you and your schooling, but it amazed me as a student and equally as a teacher now how much we were taught and we actuvely teach which the students pay little or no attention to.

[@mobiuscoreindustries]

@@PaulGaither hence why i think that in order to gain the right to bote and have an effect on political life, citizens should be requiered to pass a national test, akin to a driving test, which would certify their ability to understand and act upon the geopolitical world. that way stupid and uneducated people would either have to become educated or stop being such easy prey from political manipulations. the first act of having a better political system is to make sure that politics feel that somebody is watching and that the population has the knowledge, and the means, to do something about it. as it stands right now the population can be sothed away with little risk which is the reason why politics get away with the shit they are doing.

[@PaulGaither]

@@mobiuscoreindustries - While the sentement is well understood, the numerous problems which would arise are uncountable. Simple example: What would be on the test? Maths? If not, why not? Economics and managing a budget is important. History? Shoukd you knolwedge on the war of 1812 impact your ability to vote on how your city council is run? Maybe just proving you have a high school diploma or GED is what is needed. Though it begs the question of how many undereducated people (without a GED or high school diploma) are actually voting? While at University there was a presentation on a similar topic and it showed the percentage of such voters was insignificant. After all, those who lack a proper education are not the sort who actually tend to even cast a vote.

[@shanehull6235]

You would have learned it in school in you went to Eaton

[@born2burn1]

I don’t understand why no one ever mentions his funky ties. They are just brilliant!

[@13binay]

All paid by the tax payer's 🤣

[@grugman]

Tom Clancy's the division 3: clear the lobby

[@eeshaankb8977]

That's easy, his role is to scream ORDAAA Edit: Thanks for all the likes

[@iamhole]

and get public money that he uses to buy houses and get them paid for and then sell off a huge profit, all done by us the tax payer.

[@Aviationlord7742]

His role is to become a meme

[@0xjrr]

also... "DIIVIIISIOOOOOON!!"

[@colonelgraff9198]

I thought he cleared the lobby?

[@SillyhAsH]

Comedic relief.

[@Diomedes01]

Bercow calling the local Pizza place: "Hello, I'd like to place an ORRRRRRRDEEEERRRRRRRRR!"

[@colonelgraff9198]

No he’d show up at the shop. Then he’d say “Clear the lobby!”

[@nicholastr]

ORDER!!!!!!! Do the/my (right) honourable friends/gentlemen or women agree that the thumbnail of the appropriate video is the best thumbnail, of that, including a photo of the speaker?

[@asshatteryengaged813]

Bercow's choice of ties is top notch!

[@mase002]

aye

[@Me-wx5ik]

Here here

[@CharalamposKoundourakis]

Eeeeeeaaaaaaaahhhhhhh

[@juhailmarisalminen]

No!!

[@maxkuenstling3578]

3:36 Actually, if I recall correctly, the last time a withdrawal of an MP from parliament occurred was in December 2018, when Lloyd Russell-Moyle grabbed the mace from the table and started walking out of the chamber. Really enjoy your videos, keep up the great work!

[@JordanGlover1]

The difference between the lord's and commons may be a good idea

[@EMSpdx]

I second this!

[@festethephule7553]

I third it.

[@kyawtint2703]

let me fourth it!

[@shanehull6235]

Being elected

[@jamesbarnett7506]

Looks like im gonna be ORDERRRRRRing some new merch

[@Bunzotennis]

1. *ORDAAAAAAA* 2. *DIVISIIIIOOOOONNN* *CLEAR* *THE* *LOBBY* *!!!!* There i saved you 11 minutes.

[@InvectivePleasure]

Oh hell no. I can't miss an opportunity to actually HEAR him saying those things! Lol it's just too fun!

[@Petrico94]

I can't imagine being elected as the speaker of parliament or congress, then on of the most hectic times starts tearing the country apart as the whole world watches to see what the country is going to do and if it has a plan, and I turn into a meme just by doing my job every day

[@CPA1Jonas]

thank you guys for putting on so much efforts to teach us the basics of english politics! you made me obsessed with the topic and never fail to amaze me everyday, keep up the good work!

[@RichardGadsden]

I'd really like a video about Erskine May and Standing Orders and how the rules of the House of Commons are determined.

[@juliansmit3770]

Can you make a vid about where Bercow buys his AMAZING ties

[@JimboRustles]

Same place as Stephen Fry

[@lsdesignweb]

Question is that amendment A "Video on the honorable gentleman John Bercow ties" be made ... As many as are of that opinion say Aye ... Of the contrary, No ... the ayes have it

[@jacobtapianieto9655]

Unlock!

[@str.77]

Historically, Speakers were not at risk of execution anymore than anybody else. No Speaker ever was executed for his actions as Speaker by some angered monarch. Some were executed years later for other reasons, others ended their terms as Speaker in execution after the king they served was toppled by another king. But that's not really the situation the legend suggests.

[@he1986]

Congrats on 6 months of more brexit madness. I guess your channel will live on!

[@libertariantiger]

A written constitution doesn't make things clearer. As Lord Acheson explained in his series of lectures on the difference between the two, in the written constitution there is a transfer of power to the judiciary and the legal profession.

[@bethiakittify]

Yes, a video about the British constitution please. Superb channel by the way - I'm addicted!

[@elijahfordsidioticvarietys8770]

It's pretty fucking ridiculous that the speaker's entrance ceremony is them being dragged in against their will. Sounds like something you'd make up.

[@mokhwibitxwane]

😂 The speaker shows his age. During Cameron and now with May. Looks like he's gotten more unruly

[@rebecca4680]

His hair has definitely become more unruly.

[@playman350]

His hair has become as chaotic as British politics

[@edh7071]

I'm so glad I discovered TLDR News! Thank you for all of your explanations!

[@toppledgod]

I always remember Betty Boothroyd, I had until today forgotten about Michael Martin...

[@teddy0504]

I love these edits!

[@tmu-creativeworks]

Yes, the constitution please! Thank you for all the interesting information & greetings from the Netherlands

[@grendelum]

It’s unfair to say *Speaker Bercow* says _”OORRDDAA”_ when he clearly says _”OORRDDERRRRRR”_ !!

[@that_guy_lem1732]

I'm here cuz you post top quality stuff.

[@jonunciate7018]

American here. These videos are making me appreciate the struggles of the UK more. Its nice to take a break from U.S. politics to try to understand the politics of our closest ally. Thanks again TLDR.

[@gen5162]

I’d love to see a comparison between different forms of government around the world! Like, US constitutional republic, UK constitutional monarchy, Russian semi-presidential republic, etc.

[@thelucas1146]

Finally I've been waiting for this video for so long

[@Nomadic-canadian]

Id love a video on thw differences from the 🇬🇧 parliament and the 🇨🇦 parliament. Im canadian. We got our structure from thw uk. Id love to hear u talk on this

[@RaymondHng]

Here are some differences and similarities among the political systems of the UK, Canada, Australia, and the United States of America. Parliamentary system: UK, CAN, AUS Congressional system: USA Parliamentary sovereignty: UK Separation of powers: USA Federations: USA, CAN, AUS Devolved government within a unitary state: UK Elected upper house members: USA Senate, AUS Senate Appointed upper house members: CAN Senate, UK House of Lords Equal representation in the upper house for each state: USA Senate, AUS Senate Representation in the upper house assigned on regional basis: CAN Senate

[@markncl100]

Great video and truly informative. You are going from strength to strength.

[@Plant_Parenthood]

I feel like I've been misled. Can you make a video about how audio speakers work, please?

[@tarnopol]

These videos are great; just discovered them. Terrific.

[@conniekirunda8513]

Could you please explain why those that present the counter votes (usually 4 people) constantly bow? Thank you ☺️

[@EMSpdx]

Bowing is part of British culture- a sign of respect.

[@JamesSmith-kp5qo]

No. The speaker used to sit in front of an altar to St. Stephen until 1834, so people were bowing to the altar.

[@cjallen2]

Don’t they actually bow to the Cloth of Estate above the Speaker’s chair?

[@williamkovatch3427]

I love your channel. As an American, the workings of Parliament always seemed a mystery to me. Your explanations have been greatly informative and entertaining.

[@gabeg.2848]

I'd love to watch more about the UK political system. Also, I'd like to see a video regarding the realm of the commonwealth. How does it work? Internationally they are separated independent countries for all purposes but the queen is still head of state, which would effectively make them the same country, but legislation is different.. Is the queen citizen of all those countries with right of abode? Thank you for the amazing videos

[@Madhattersinjeans]

I don't know exactly but as far as the Queen goes her role is "mostly" ceremonial, she doesn't weild any real power over any of the countries. That said in theory she could demand an election or oust a prime minister if she really wanted, but it would probably result in a bloodless rebellion and the overturning of the monarchy as a whole. So while possible it's extremely unlikely. That would be in the UK. I don't think the queen has any power real or otherwise in other countries beyond being a figurehead and cutting red ribbons to open various theatres or monuments. I think the last time someone abroad asked the queen to step into their governing process was in Autralia 1975 according to wiki , at the height of the 1975 Australian constitutional crisis, the Australian Prime Minister, Gough Whitlam, was dismissed from his post by Governor-General Sir John Kerr, after the Opposition-controlled Senate rejected Whitlam's budget proposals.[103] As Whitlam had a majority in the House of Representatives, Speaker Gordon Scholes appealed to the Queen to reverse Kerr's decision. She declined, saying she would not interfere in decisions reserved by the Constitution of Australia for the governor-general.[104] The crisis fuelled Australian republicanism. Her history is quite an interesting one, as the longest reigning monarch in British history. And it's full of attempted attacks on her and various scandals. She is widely regarded as a good monarch and was instrumental in the decolonisation of a lot of UK colonies abroad.

[@agilemind6241]

The Queen is not a citizen of any of them, because to be a citizen of the Commonwealth one has to swear allegiance to the Queen, since she cannot swear allegiance to herself she technically is not a citizen, however as head of state she technically has a lot of power but in practice she is just a figure head (except in the UK). Each country that is part of the Commonwealth (other than the UK) appoints a Governor General to represent the Queen while she is not present (i.e. all the time) and hold/wield her powers when necessary. Usually this appointment is by the Prime Minister or an independent committee for a fixed term (usually longer than a single parliament). The Queen has the power to fire any Governor General and replace them with someone else (including herself) if she so wishes, but as far as I know this has never happened since each country's PM took over the responsibility of choosing the GG (doing so would probably spark a huge republican outcry in that country). Countries in the Commonwealth also each have their own Parliaments that make legislation for that nation, which is signed off by the GG. The GG is responsible for dissolving parliaments & calling elections and ensuring a stable gov't forms after elections as well as resolving conflicts between a PM and Parliament/Senate (aka "constitutional crises"). Many Commonwealth countries also describe their public lands as technically being owned by the Queen but the full rights to which have been given to either the federal or provincial government through a relevant gov't minister. Thus "public land" and "Crown land" are synonymous. (Again this is not the case in the UK where the rights to the Crown estates are still held by the monarch but the revenues of which are largely given over to the UK gov't). However, some Commonwealth countries have extra ties to the UK. I believe some of the smaller nations have an arrangement where they depend on the UK for defence. And until 1982 Canada left control of its Constitution in the hands of the UK parliament. TL:DR Technically the Queen is a powerful monarch to all the Commonwealth, in practice she is nothing but a figurehead and cultural symbol. In practice the Commonwealth is little more than a club of countries with cultural/historical ties that promotes friendship and mutual respect/understanding across large parts of the globe. PS In the UK the Queen also gets to meet with the Prime Minister on a regular basis (1/week) to discuss the running of the country, whereas Governor Generals usually stay out of parliamentary business unless called upon, instead fulfilling ceremonial roles and engaging in diplomacy and their own personal initiatives as long as they promote the betterment of the nation (e.g. Canada's current GG is a former astronaut so has engaged in various events related to promoting Canadian science and Canadian involvement in space exploration).

[@jazzblue9005]

Gabiel, if you want to know why the commonwealth is the way it is, I suggest you watch Niall Ferguson's Empire documentary series. In particular, "Empire How Britain Made the Modern World White Plague Ep 2/6 HD". Starting from 45:45, Niall Ferguson explains how the white colonies (eg Australia) were given just enough home rule to feel independent of the UK so that they had no reason to rebel. As an Aussie, I can tell you that it works. In Australia, the only sign of the queen is on the back of coins (she's not even on the postage stamps!), and the only sign of the UK is on the Australian flag. The monarchy isn't even taught in schools. Aussies have little reason to want to get rid of the monarchy because it doesn't interfere with day-to-day government and, therefore, most Aussies are willing to keep it. Fact is that the commonwealth are separate countries with their own houses of parliament and agendas. Like Mad Hatters in jeans states, the role of the governor general (on behalf of the queen) is mainly ceremonial and, therefore, they're practically invisible to the average person - except for once in 1975. The commonwealth works so well because Britain realised the best way to keep its commonwealth countries happy is to just leave them alone.

[@nameless5413]

oh look who finally gotten around to doing that epissode!

[@ryanbamforth1290]

I want to know more about the leader of the house and the father of the house

[@HBombzorz]

IIRC, father of the house is simply the longest serving member. It's an unofficial title born of respect.

[@helenluis5626]

At the moment it's Kenneth Clarke who is the MP for Rushcliffe and a right nice bloke

[@ryanbamforth1290]

@@HBombzorz I'm aware of this but does this give him a role or authority.

[@HBombzorz]

@@ryanbamforth1290 The only official role of the father (and mother, who's the longest serving woman) of the house is to be there when the speaker is sworn in (historical reasons). The only authority they get is an unofficial respect from other MPs, where even the speaker gives the mother and father of the house slight priority when deciding who should speak in parliament.

[@nicolebelcher6769]

Please explain the UK constitution. It has been inadequately explain to me in three different government classes and I still have no idea how it works

[@TheRealBobquat]

A video of the differences between Canadian and British parliament would be neat

[@TheStressD]

You should do "Division clear the lobby!!!" merchandise. Another great video keep up the good work!

[@johndoe-qn2mm]

Liked the constitution video. And perhaps a video on the history and importance of the shiny gold scepter (edit: it's a mace. A large, gold mace. This inspires my dnd Brick, and he will be the prettiest.)

[@johndoe-qn2mm]

@Qimodis a) I assumed a mace wasn't properly posh enough. Thank you for the correction. B) dammit man, now I want to see a meme of the Queen hitting trump with the mace for trying to walk in front of her.

[@berlindude75]

The House of Lords even has two maces. And then there is the Woolsack.

[@BrandonPatrk317]

I want a shirt that says "DIVISION: Clear the Lobby!" Thanks for these videos -- all of 'em have been great!

[@B100inCP]

It‘s here! Well done for actually finishing it with all the brexit confusion happening right now.

[@LaCheshireChat]

I would love to see a video showcasing ALL of John Bercow's ties. They are magnificent!

[@firephoenix4013]

Would love to hear the constitution of the UK pls

[@polloman29]

Do a SERIES about the UK constitution, I'm sure it'd be fascinating!

[@cainfuni5331]

The rest of the world wants to know: Why don´t you have a constitution?!??

[@HenryLoenwind]

That's actually easy to answer: The concept of a constitution is quite modern. They are needed to constitute a state when there is no king who rules in god's grace.

[@theblackherald]

Because the British State is literally more than a thousand years old, and unlike in France, there was never a revolution to overthrow monarchy itself.The closest thing they have is the Magna Carta iirc

[@berlindude75]

@@theblackherald You surely mean the English State. The British State is only roughly 300 years old.

[@theblackherald]

@@berlindude75 Oops. Yes

[@TimThomason]

@@theblackherald Well, there was a revolution to overthrow the monarch, almost 150 years before the French Revolution, but no one really liked the guy who took over and ruled as King-in-all-but-name (Cromwell). So they brought back the rightful King under the agreement that they wouldn't execute him and he would let them do their own thing.

[@raphcannon]

I support a video on the British constitution. I was told about it back during my primary and secondary school days (being born and raised in Nigeria, a former colony of the UK). The British constitution has always been an interest of mine. Btw I love, love, this video. I have become one of the John Bercow fans. Even my baby seems fascinated anytime he is on TV screaming "ORDAAAAAA ORDA". Excellent video guys 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿

[@DarkDennis1961]

Does the House if Lords have any actual purpose? If there were no House of Lords would anyone notice?

[@elijahamores]

Yeah it acts as a a soft buffer to the Commons that prevents the Commons in passing bills that may not be beneficial to Her Majesty’s subject. Of course their powers was greatly reduced by the Commons because of the changing times.

[@agilemind6241]

Sort of, the UK House of Lords is one of the least well thought out versions of a second house amongst countries with similar systems. But it still plays an important role often catching mistakes of oversights by the Commons, as well as putting a damper on the partisanship of the Commons. However, due to the fact that there is no limit to the number of peers and minimal rules for appointing them, peerages are often used as political favours which has led to a bloated & inefficient Lords. Which is a shame. Most other countries with second houses of government use them to balance different forms of representation: e.g. the second house often is weighted by region rather than population, or a country might mandate particular gender/ethnicity/religious representation in the second house as a way to protect minority rights. The UK kind of does this with the 26 peerages that are reserved for Church of England bishops but this hasn't been updated to reflect the multi-faith nature of modern Britain.

[@ryannicholls3662]

The House of Lords actually does a lot of fascinating work. It's certainly not useless, even if it's absurd.

[@DarkDennis1961]

I hope to see a video from TLDR. It sounds like a very interesting topic. I want to know more

[@peterfireflylund]

A video on that would be nice. Another video on the reforms of the Lords during Blairs "presidential" prime ministership would also be appreciated. And a video on the Law Lords, even though they don't exist anymore, now that the UK has a real Supreme Court!

[@thaacka9268]

I’ve been waiting for this kind of video for along time. I’m from Thailand. I would like to know more about the British Parliament system.

[@malcolmwalker7129]

Please do a video on the Constitution.

[@janhanchenmichelsen2627]

I’ve got Mr Bercow as ring tone om my phone. Proper yelling! People just JUMP and then start laughing. The Speaker has become a global phenomenon.

[@LearningFast]

Why do they say “right” honorable gentlemen sometimes and just honorable gentlemen other times?

[@varana]

Normal members of Parliament are "honourable". MPs referred to as "right honourable" are also members of the Privy Council, some form of advisory body to the monarch (in origin). As appointment to the Privy Council is for life (unless you resign), and the holders of various offices (most importantly, government ministers) are appointed more or less automatically, there are quite a few members of the Privy Council in the House of Commons. So if someone is referred to as Rt Hon, he probably was a minister in the past, or held some other higher-ranking office. (Current ministers are usually referred to as Minister for X, without using the Rt Hon member for {constituency} title.)

[@arheo9702]

For those wondering why you cannot clap, there is no specific rule against it, its more of a convention. As to its origins, it started in the late 17th century when a convention was put in place by the house speaker who stated that MPs cannot make any interruptions to a person speaking by hissing, chanting, clapping or otherwise. It also ruled that calling "hear hear" or "hear him" at the end of someones sentence or speech did not count as interruption, and therefore was allowed. Hope this clears that up

[@viciouswindstalkers]

I am quite interested in how your government works. I would like to learn about EVERYTHING.

[@kamranhussain2210]

If Bercow wasn’t a Tory, he would be a legend

[@mesarq]

Yeah let's do the Constitution video.

[@kaynSD]

A video on "how the Prime Minister of the UK is chosen" is a good idea, seeing as most people I talk to outside the UK (and some inside it) don't realise we don't explicitly vote for them. Maybe expand it as a primer on "What is the PM?" Both how Labour and the Conservatives have their own different ways to select their candidates (which seems to come up a lot with Corbyn and May), how the role of PM was even established in the first place and why it doesn't mean "head of state" like a President but "head of government" (and how that distinction is important). All that fun stuff. That and one on how the balance of power between the Commons and Lords has shifted over the past few hundred years.

[@michaeljijus980]

It's NEVER ENOUGH OF BERCOW FOR ONE DAY!!!! I ADORE HIM!!! 💗💗💗 HE SHOULD BE YOUR PM, "BRITISH PEOPLE" LOL ALL world generally like him!! With his flaws as well..

[@watchtheskies]

No

[@michaeljijus980]

@@watchtheskies Explain why NO?!!!!! 😂😂😂 Still better choice than PM's of last 50 years!! Breath of fresh air is not needed in UK? Lol

[@FodderMoosie]

There wasn't a single instance of my favourite Bercow "order" - the one that occasionally comes second, and goes "or-daaaaaa". It's a beautiful thing. Also this video was grand. Thank you. I should learn my own country's parliamentary system (maple leaf forever), but until then, I've got this!

[@driver13g27]

October 31st, seems like your Brexit content won't dry up anytime soon haha

[@EMSpdx]

Brexit is renewed for another season!

[@SiriusXification]

Popping in from the future: It's the gift that keeps on giving

[@crazyturtle3650]

I think you made a mistake in saying that Dennis Skinner was the last mp to be forced to remove himself for that days sitting. Ian Blackford was forced to do so in 2018 after he refused to sit down whilst the speaker was speaking. Love the video btw

[@cezardan01]

The British Constitution is truly a mystery to me. Please explain it. :)

[@stefancarter1]

Cezar Țurcanu We don’t have one written down. Our ‘constitution’ is just all the laws previously passed by a simple parliamentary majority.

[@Grim_Beard]

@@stefancarter1 The 'constitution' isn't _all_ the laws, just those that relate specifically to Parliamentary procedure and the roles of the government and the monarch (and, arguably, the courts). There is also a whole lot of unwritten tradition and convention, as well as 'scholarly opinion' about how things should work.

[@Cirdon91]

One slight factual error: you said the last time a sitting was suspended was during the terror attacks, but the deputy speaker actually suspended a sitting only a week ago because the roof started leaking in the press gallery. But I absolutely love your content and hope you keep it up! Thank you for getting this American interested in how Parliament and Brexit work (or don't).

[@abdultuaheb123]

There is only one thing left to say....... Orderr Orderrr ORDERRRRR

[@headache42]

I need an anime mashup of Bercow shouting "UNLOCK" as he activates his Mecha's secret ability.

[@FlyingHazel]

So behaving like a bunch of apes on BBC is fine but calling someone dodgy is unacceptable?

[@stoufos]

Great work guys!

[@iami3rian394]

Great video, but the like begging is a bit extreme. It's 2019 mate. People know how to like, and where and when to comment. You really think no one knows where the comment section is? "Down below" is the most egregious and useless thing said on KZbin. Thanks, never would've found it otherwise.

[@mrs.y]

Hi from Texas! I love watching your videos and have been glued to Brexit specifically because this channel got me hooked. So much so, I watch the 11-hour live stream of the filibuster situation over the Brexit extension in the House of Commons. Can you guys explain perhaps: 1. What is the dispatch box's role in history, because everyone seems obsessed with it in the proceedings? 2. What is the role of Blackrod aside from slamming on the door when the Queen is in the House of Lords? 3. What's with the giant gold mace that they have to have up on the big desk whenever the Prime Minister is there? Why is that a thing? 4. You mentioned Dennis Skinner in this video. He seems very popular for quipping when the Queen is in the House of Lords. Why is he allowed to get away with that?

[@unniFI]

finally

[@unniFI]

weve all wanted this

[@mattb8754]

He touched me

[@scottsmith8190]

Another excellent vid 👌 Dennis Skinner is a very very rare thing, he’s an MP with continuity of his values, integrity and couldn’t care less which government minister he annoys or has a go at 🤣 One small question, you state Dennis was last MP booted out by Bercow... wasn’t the most recent SNP’s Ian Blackford in June 2018 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@michaelsmith2911]

There have been at least two ejections since "Dodgy Dave." one was Ian Blackford (SNP leader for refusing to sit after Bercow ruled against his motion during PMQs), and a Labor MP for trying to remove the mace from the HoC.

[@bobsemple5848]

Bercow's Scream of _"DIVISIONNNNNN"_ is Underrated.

[@QuigleyQ]

As an American, I've always been puzzled by an unwritten constitution. Please do a video on it!

[@noimain3910]

I would like to really get into how MP's are chosen, who exactly they represent, and how they get chosen to sit on one of the benches.

[@agilemind6241]

But that's pretty straight forward stuff. MPs are elected using first-past-the-post voting to represent a constituency (and everyone who lives in it - regardless of age or nationality) in the House of Commons. Anyone can be a candidate for MP as long as they get a few signatures of support and put up a deposit, or they can be put forward by a political party (usually chosen through a voting by local members of the party but parties can make their own rules for how they are chosen). The leader of each party then offers positions in the Cabinet/Shadow Cabinet (aka front-benches) to whomever they like. The leaders of each party also get to decide how many and what type of Cabinet/Shadow Cabinet positions are available (within reason). Everyone who is not in the front-benches are back-benchers.

[@noimain3910]

@@agilemind6241 Thanks for aswering! This does leave me with one question that I was unable to find, even on the parlement website. Do you know how the constituencies are decided upon? Are they historical areas, or a maximum amount of residents? Or is it similar to an American model where the map is redrawn every so often? And how do they deal with producing an MP in an area which is let's say 49-51 split between labour and conservative. Does that constituency just produce a conservative MP to go to parlament?

[@Aericane]

One part you've failed to mention is that after the 8 minutes, when the doors are locked, Bercow screams something like "lock the doors!". After another few minutes the results are actually announced.

[@EndlessFilmLimited]

Please- a video on the differences between the Parliamentary of Erskine May, Jeffersonian, and the popular Robert's Rules of Order. I think it would do a lot to allowing others to understand what all is going on inside the chambers relative to the rules of procedure they are more familiar with...

[@jgroenveld1268]

Dad told me when I was a kid that is that the speaker wanted "Hors d'oeuvre" for the large table in front of him for himself and the MPs.

[@tomwebster321]

Given the convoluted nature of the British constitution, as well as the ambiguity surrounding sovereignty and citizenship I'd love for a video on the constitution. However to do it justice I feel it may need several videos, to describe its roots in documents like Magna Carta and the Bill of Rights, as well as the relations between the two houses, between the Monarch and Parliament, and the peculiar origins of the British Premiership. I must say I find your videos thoroughly engrossing and believe you offer a sober, informed and impartial analysis of British political life. Best of luck going forward, I understand under the heightened atmosphere of the moment you must be under immense pressure but nonetheless I look forward to your videos

[@enaegbe4602]

Please make a video on why become the speaker of a Parliament.

[@101xcfanatic]

I know this comment will probably be largely overlooked, but I really wish you had an American Political sister channel. One, I don't think there is anything out there that does short form political commentary quite as well as you do and I have to say this is a new favorite channel of mine and has done much to acquaint myself with British politics. I also feel like American politics are dry and boring, even though there is so much happening currently, it doesn't change the large American disinterest in there own political system. I would really like to see a sister channel for this but if that can't happen maybe just point me to a creator that you feel fists this role. Thanks for the amazing videos keep up the good work.

[@pr0xZen]

You forgot to address one small but important element. The speaker is elected among MPs. What happens to representation of his or her (then former) constituency between when a _new_ Speaker is elected, and the next scheduled general election.

[@hogshouse]

I'd be interested on a video about the black rod... Good work btw.. Love this channel...

[@somtaawbh5927]

I also would like to see a video on how Northern Ireland's elections, and the apportionment of seats on the Northern Ireland Executive works.

[@jamesdaugherty2339]

More videos about parliamentary practices and the English constitution please! Love your videos!

[@suivzmoi]

one crucial piece of information is that while the speaker must renounce party affiliations he must also first be an elected MP. this means that for 10yrs his constituency has had no representation in the commons. i think it's an important but rarely covered topic.

[@Eliel7230]

I find the British parliament very interesting and entertaining. My interest is in how it works. I still haven't got a firm grasp on it all, which is why I commend your efforts in making informative videos like this one. Thank you. I look forward to seeing more on this subject.

[@PavaniGanga]

Thank you for your marathon efforts to educate the bewildered--both bewildered Brits and bewildered foreigners like me. Now that you have offered, YES! I would like to learn: What is an unwritten constitution? And ESPECIALLY I want to learn why legislation is mostly left to the government rather than to parliament, who are the directly elected representatives of the people.

[@OutOfNamesToChoose]

4:21 is unbelievable foreshadowing!

[@MihaHelbl]

Would love to hear about the lack of B&W procedures!

[@EMSpdx]

At last, the video the Bercow fans were waiting for! And I know I want an 'Ordaaa!" T shirt!