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Day 6

'Be a good boy': Moments from the man keeping the U.K.'s politicians in line

British MPs have a tough job ahead of them: figuring out what to do with Brexit. John Bercow might have a more challenging task. As Speaker of the House of Commons, he's the one trying to keep order.

John Bercow has the unenviable task of keeping order during Brexit debates

CBC Radio ·
Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow has developed a particular flare in his responsibility of keeping the MPs in line. (UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor/via Reuters)

The House of Commons in the U.K. is no stranger to fiery debate.

This week brought forward particularly heated discussions as Prime Minister Boris Johnson faced immense opposition — even from within his own party — on his plan to leave the European Union on Oct. 31 with or without a deal.

But as MPs shout across the House floor, there's one man with the perhaps unenviable job of keeping them all in line — that's John Bercow, Speaker of the House of Commons.

He has developed a particular flare in his role bringing of MPs to order in the House. This week, he told MPs he didn't "need any help from anyone judging from a sedentary position," and that a chancellor should behave himself and "be a good boy."

And that's just two examples from this week's Brexit debates.

To hear more examples of John Bercow in action, download our podcast or click 'Listen' above.

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