UK speaker kicks off Israel trip by meeting Knesset counterpart

13 February 2017, 4:39 pm

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The speaker of Britain’s House of Commons, John Bercow, begins a three-day trip to Israel by meeting with Knesset speaker Yuli Edelstein in the Israeli parliament.

Bercow is welcomed to the Knesset by the British and Israeli national anthems played by the Knesset Guard band.

A Wednesday, June 4, 2014 file photo of Britain's Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow as he walks through Central Lobby before Britain's Queen Elizabeth II delivered the Queen's Speech at the State Opening of Parliament at the Palace of Westminster in London. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, Pool, File) — A Wednesday, June 4, 2014 file photo of Britain’s Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow as he walks through Central Lobby before Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II delivered the Queen’s Speech at the State Opening of Parliament at the Palace of Westminster in London. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, Pool, File)

The British politician gives no response when asked by the press if he plans to resign due to the controversy over his decision to prevent Trump speaking in Parliament. Bercow said his objection was based on his “opposition to racism and sexism and support for equality before the law and an independent judiciary.”

A spokesman for the Knesset speaker declines to comment when asked by The Times of Israel if Edelstein shares Bercow’s concerns about Trump addressing parliament.

— Raoul Wootliff