A WAR of words erupted between the Lords and Commons speakers yesterday over US bully-boy Donald Trump’s prospective state visit.

In a brief statement to peers yesterday, Lords Speaker Lord Fowler said that his Commons counterpart John Bercow had failed to consult him about his announcement on Monday that he was “strongly opposed” to the new US president addressing Westminster Hall.

He said there would be other “controversial” leaders coming to Britain in the future and suggested it was for Parliament to consider whether there was a better way to reach such decisions.

Mr Bercow defended Monday’s comments yesterday, telling MPs that he was acting “honestly and honourably” in carrying out his responsibilities as speaker.

He appeared to brand the US president a “racist” and said Mr Trump’s travel ban on seven predominantly Muslim countries made him “even more strongly” opposed to an invitation.

Mr Bercow has faced calls to consider his position because it is traditionally meant to be a politically neutral role.

When the speakers received a request to invite a head of state to address Parliament they both had to agree to issue an invitation after consultation.

Lord Fowler, a Tory former Cabinet minister, said: “[Mr Bercow] told me that while he maintained his view on the issue he was genuinely sorry for failing to consult with me.”

In a thinly veiled rebuke to his Commons colleague, he added: “I don’t intend to argue the case for or against Mr Trump’s visit. That is not my role as speaker.”

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