John Bercow has described the 'toxic' atmosphere in the House of Commons as the worst he's seen in 22 years.
Addressing the House after a dramatic day in Westminster yesterday , he said: "I think there is a widespread sense across the House and beyond that yesterday the House did itself no credit.
"There was an atmosphere in the chamber worse then any I've known in my 22 years in the house.
"On both sides passions were inflamed; angry words were uttered... the culture was toxic."
He continued: "This country faces the most challenging political issue that we have grappled with in decades.
“This country faces the most challenging political issue that we have grappled with in decades. There are genuine, heartfelt, sincerely-subscribed-to differences of opinion about that matter.
“Members must be free to express themselves about it and to display, as they unfailingly do, the courage of their convictions."
MPs returned to the Commons yesterday after the Supreme Court ruled that Boris Johnson's prorogation of Parliament was unlawful.
He came under fire for referencing murdered MP Jo Cox when urging politicians to "get on" and deliver Brexit.
The Speaker also suggested there could be a wider inquiry into the UK’s political culture.
“I have, overnight, received an approach from two very senior members on either side of the House pressing the case for a formal consideration of our political culture going forward,” he said.
He then said that there would be an urgent question on the issue on the 'toxicity of our culture' by Labour MP Jess Phillips.
Mr Bercow continued that the issue was "not party political" and should not be used for "partisan point scoring".
He said: "This is bigger than an individual, or individual party or individual ideological viewpoint."
Mr Bercow finished by asking MPs to “lower the decibel level and to try to treat each other as opponents, not as enemies”.
