Public lecture by the Rt Hon John Bercow

In one of the biggest lecture theatre at Keele University, with local MPs, officials, activists, members of community, student and academics, I'm listening to the Rt Hon John Bercow who talks about the Speakership in the House of Commons, the modernisation of Parliament, and the importance of opening up our democratic processes.

I never saw a politician who is so passionate, humorous and humane. He speaks so fast that I can't imagine how fast his brain is working.

At a time when key decisions about our future are being made and the government has no absolute majority, the role of Parliament has become all the more important. "A member of parliament should be independent-minded, fighting for what you believe in, taking a leading role in questioning, scrutinising and challenging... that is what a member of parliament is supposed to do, not just seating there, not just debating within the party, not just operating on some sort of programme basis, but to question, to challenge, to contradict...to hold to account the government of the day for errors, omission..."

A champion for issues often seen as polemical, such as parliamentary modernisation and the rights of backbenchers, the Speaker of the House of Commons is perfectly positioned to reflect on the role of Parliament at such uncertain but crucial times. "The speaker can and from time to time should be the catalyst or the facilitator of the necessary, desired and perhaps overdue change." "The urgent matters that are the subject of controversial about ministerial conduct, government policy, controversial legislation and changes in policy, dealing with crisis...act as a magnet to the chamber for backbench members to take apart, who were previous not able to raise anything topical...but now has a reason to come to the chamber." John's major contribution is to "encourage the development of backbench business committee which I championed in establishment in 2010 which now stages major debates on important issues."

Now there is already "education centre inside the parliament with digital hi-tech interactive state-of-art cutting-edge facilities which allow us to double the number of young people to come to the parliament to learn about the journey of representation and enjoy the time". At the same time, as part of his commitment as Speaker to making Parliament more accessible, John has embarked on an extensive outreach programme, travelling across the country "as an ambassador" to visit schools, universities, community groups, third sectors, public institutions to talk about his role and that of Parliament. "If we want to be respected by young people, we should show respect FOR young people. Respect is not a matter of right, it is an earned credit."

Well said Speaker! I admire your passion and sincerity.

Reference: https://www.keele.ac.uk/artskeele/whatson/lectures/publiclectures/title,194688,en.php
and direct quotes from the lecture.