This was the great political power struggle of our times – and ministers lost | Martin Kettle

John Bercow was brave and correct to allow the Grieve amendment vote. Just at the right time, parliament has regained its vital role

John Bercow can sometimes seem to be auditioning to play Shakespeare’s Malvolio. The House of Commons Speaker has at times a comic degree of self-esteem that is the equal of the arrogant steward in Twelfth Night. Like Malvolio, Bercow can also drive colleagues to distraction, as he did today. Today, though, Bercow took a brave stand to empower Britain’s parliament against Britain’s government on Brexit. And that qualifies him to be considered the most radical holder of his office in generations. Like Malvolio, a version of greatness has been thrust upon him.

The vast majority of people are understandably not well versed in Commons procedure. So it may seem strange to claim that a decision to allow an amendment to be moved on a Commons timetable motion – and with no debate – is in any way immense. Nevertheless, Bercow’s decision to allow the all-party effort, led by the Conservative former attorney general Dominic Grieve, to tie the government’s hands – it must come back with a plan B within three days if the Brexit deal is defeated next week – deserves such accolades.

Theresa May is increasingly having her Brexit options shaped for her by a cross-party alliance of MPs

Related: John Bercow's decision endangers the office of Speaker, and our democracy | Anne Perkins

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