House of Commons Speaker John Bercow defends himself after accusations of Brexit impartiality

Commons Speaker John Bercow has defended himself after being accused of impartiality by some Brexiteers and parts of the Conservative party. 

Bercow has come under increased scrutiny in recent weeks and infuriated ministers in January for moving away from the traditional conventions of the House and allowing a Remain-supporting backbencher the floor. 

Conservatives have threatened to remove Bercow's automatic right of peerage as a result of his actions, with some highlighting how he controversially disclosed his support for Remain during the 2016 referendum. 

Bercow has defended his actions and has insisted he is a champion of backbenchers and allowing all voices in the chamber to be heard, not just the majority.

He also insisted it is not his job to decide the route Brexit takes.

"I would just encourage members, in so far as they need encouragement, to do what they think is right, in terms both of voice and of vote," Bercow told CNN. 

"It's not for the Speaker, let's say in the context of Brexit, to proscribe one route or another.

"And, I think the record shows that I've always been particularly keen, for example, to give a voice to the minority or dissident voices in the House of Commons rather than, in any sense, to side with the majority.

"I think the Speaker's role is sometimes just to stand up for the institution of the House of Commons and the principle of parliamentary democracy."

Bercow also admitted he was concerned by a lack of progress made with a Brexit deal ahead of the March 29 leaving date.

"It is a concern that in grappling with the biggest current issue facing us, Brexit, no resolution of the matter has yet been obtained," he said.

"It is a concern, it isn't something that the Speaker can determine. The Speaker can try and help the House to decide on such issues and give it the freedom to breathe, if I can put it that way."