Speaker Defends Peters Amid Green Outcry | Auckland News

The Green Party demanded Winston Peters apologize for telling their MP to “go back to your own country,” but Speaker Gerry Brownlee shut down the push, citing free speech and saying accountability should happen live, not a week later. Though he admitted he didn’t like the comments, Brownlee refused to revisit them, arguing public debate needs raw political speech — even if it’s offensive. The Greens, furious at the lack of action, accused Brownlee and Prime Minister Luxon of enabling Peters’ behavior and hiding behind election fears. Tensions flared when Green co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick was ejected from Parliament for confronting Brownlee over his perceived double standards — a moment Brownlee later admitted he might have handled differently amid the chaotic, interrupt-driven debate. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/7b290cdc88178e40