MP booted from the House of Commons after grabbing ceremonial mace amid Brexit row
A Labour MP was kicked out of the House of Commons for picking up the ceremonial mace after the Brexit deal vote was delayed.
After a Government whip shouted "tomorrow" in regards to the debate and vote - meaning it will be held on an unspecified future date - jeers rang through the House.
Lloyd Russell-Moyle then went over to the silver gilt mace, picked it up and walked away.
As he went away he was stopped by two female Serjeant at Arms staff.
Watch the extraordinary moment Labour MP @lloyd_rm picks up the mace in protest over the government delaying the Brexit vote.
He was ejected for removing the ceremonial symbol – without which parliament cannot meet.
Follow the latest Brexit fallout here: https://t.co/RMjAIEkXLo pic.twitter.com/oFYDpbD9Lb— Sky News (@SkyNews) December 10, 2018
The MP for Brighton Kemptown put up no resistance as he was stopped and handed over the mace.
Conservative MPs screamed "expel him" and "name him" as Speaker John Bercow rose to his feet.
Mr Bercow said: "By the power given to me by standing order number 43 and I think (Mr Russell-Moyle) will know the implication of his action, I must order (Mr Russell-Moyle) to withdraw immediately from the House for the remainder of this day's sitting. Mr Russell-Moyle please leave the chamber."
Mr Russell-Moyle initially refused the order and remained in the chamber looking at the Speaker and said nothing as MPs gasped.
Mr Bercow then said: "No, no he must leave or be escorted, he should leave."
After that Mr Russell-Moyle left.
The parliamentary mace symbolises royal authority, so without it the House cannot meet or pass laws.
It is carried into the Chamber by the Serjeant at Arms, where it is normally placed on the table of the House.