In quotes: MPs on Speaker row

As MPs prepare to debate the Damian Green arrest row, research by the BBC has found that 32 MPs no longer "have confidence" in Commons Speaker Michael Martin.

Here is a selection of views from MPs on the subject.

STEPHEN LADYMAN, LABOUR

It is a very serious matter for an MP to lose confidence in the Speaker.

We will be incredibly distressed if the inquiry throws up evidence that there was any level of culpability in the Speaker, that he did have the opportunity to do something about it but did not do it.

It is a very serious matter and we have to put our loyalty to democracy before our loyalty to the Speaker and our friendship with the Speaker.

SIR MALCOLM RIFKIND, CONSERVATIVE

One can't just say it is a small number of people who are worried and concerned.

I think most MPs, regardless of political party, believe the way in which these matters were handled in the last week was seriously flawed.

I don't think I am being controversial in saying I don't think that Speaker Martin will go down as one of the greater Speakers.

NORMAN LAMB, LIB DEM

It is right to say that MPs are reluctant to criticise any Speaker.

But I felt that I could not just sit on my hands when a senior member of staff was treated in that way and I think that ultimately we become complicit if we remain silent.

COLIN BREED, LIB DEM

I think he needs to get through these next few months but I think he needs to indicate he is not going to be seeking re-election.

If he cannot do that I think there will be growing concern that perhaps he ought to go earlier than that.

You have to recognise that that the Speaker's job is a very difficult job and has become more difficult in recent years.

But like any other chair of an organisation, you have to have the confidence and consent of those people over whom you are exercising that authority.

ED BALLS, LABOUR

I have always found the Speaker to be challenging, to be tough and to be demanding of me and other ministers in protecting the House of Commons.

On the basis of my experience, I do have confidence in the Speaker.

DAVID DAVIS, CONSERVATIVE

The Speaker has made a serious mistake. The whole system in the House of Commons has made a serious mistake and he is responsible for it.

However, this issue is bigger than him. Other people have made mistakes. What we need to do is fix the system, not make a tribal battle over whether the Speaker should be here or not but fix the system and put those democratic protections back in place.

MARGARET BECKETT, LABOUR

No member of the government should be putting the Speaker in a position where he looks as if he is in any way dependent on us for any kind of support, nor indeed should they be putting him in the position where they appear to be criticising him.