Speaker John Bercow tells MP: Don't argue the toss

Commons Speaker John Bercow has told an MP who took too long to ask a question not "to argue the toss with the Chair".

Mr Bercow complained that a Liberal Democrat, Greg Mulholland, had been long-winded.

When the MP protested and shouted "it's important" the Speaker said, "don't argue the toss with the Chair Mr Mulholland, don't shake your head mate".

Mr Bercow then said he had asked for the question to be brief (the session was over-running) and said "you were too long". He then added "leave, that's fine, we can manage without you".

Mr Mulholland subsequently left the Commons chamber, pointing angrily towards the Speaker on his way out.

A few minutes later, Mr Bercow told MPs: "I appreciate, I've been on those benches, all honourable members' questions are important, of course members feel very strongly about them.

"I am sympathetic to that, I respect that, but people can't simply take the attitude, 'my question's important and therefore I can be much longer' because that's not fair on other members".