Protest: Lloyd Russell-Moyle.

Conservative MPs jeered as an Opposition Parliamentarian walked off with a ceremonial bit of kit in a symbolic protest against Theresa May’s deferral of the “meaningful vote” on Brexit – showing they care more for tradition than democracy.

Labour MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle walked off with the Mace after the government invoked an obscure Parliamentary procedure to end the debate on Mrs May’s Brexit deal, rather than accepting the will of the House of Commons.

The only requirement was for a government whip to shout “Tomorrow” after 8pm on Monday (December 10).

After he did this, Mr Russell-Moyle made his protest. The Mace is a symbol that the Crown gives permission for Parliament to govern. If it is not in position, then MPs are not permitted to debate or vote.

Mr Russell-Moyle made his move to show that the government had cut off Parliament’s ability to function properly.

Speaker John Bercow had no option but to order Mr Russell-Moyle’s removal from the House of Commons and suspend him as a member of Parliament – although this suspension was only set to last until the end of business that day.

You can hear the Conservatives’ response to this behaviour in the clip below – and read the public response to it in the tweets that follow:

Mr Russell-Moyle had this to say:

Here’s some background information about the Mace:

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