Speaker John Bercow’s public lecture at the Uni – 24 June
Fri, 20 May 2016 13:51:00 BST
The Speaker speaks out! John Bercow will give a special lecture at the University of Huddersfield – free admission – the day following the EU Referendum
HE is the holder of one of the world’s most ancient offices. But John Bercow, outspoken Speaker of the House of Commons since 2009, is a dedicated moderniser. His ambitions to update Parliament will be a theme when he comes to the University of Huddersfield to deliver a free public lecture.
It takes place on Friday 24 June (3.30pm) and is titled The Making of a Modern Parliament, the day following the EU Referendum.
When Mr Bercow became the 157th Speaker of the House, he pledged that he would make reforms, and in addition to procedural changes he has also introduced innovations such as a Parliamentary crèche, equality networks and an Education Centre – opened in 2015 – that aims to inspire and connect young people with Parliament and democracy.
Other modernising touches by Mr Bercow include the fact that he declines to wear the traditional robes of his office when presiding over debates.
Mr Bercow has been a controversial figure in some quarters – and was previously known as a rebellious backbencher – but in May 2015, following the General Election, he was re-elected as Speaker. In the House, he is a non-political figure, but he has been Conservative MP for Buckingham since 1997.
In November 2014, Mr Bercow delivered the annual J.H. Whitley Lecture, organised by the University of Huddersfield in commemoration of a Halifax MP who was a noted Speaker in the 1920s.
At that lecture – given in Halifax Minster – Mr Bercow spoke about his modernising ambitions. Now, he returns to the subject on 24 June, the day following the EU Referendum.
When he comes to the University of Huddersfield, Mr Bercow is also due to cover a range of other topics, including human rights and democracy in the United Kingdom, plus an appraisal of the role of Speaker.
- The lecture takes place in the University’s Diamond Jubilee Lecture Theatre, part of the University’s Business School. Attendance is free, but places should can be reserved online at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-making-of-a-modern-parliament-tickets-25313884510) for what will be a popular speaker. For further information, contact Sybilla Daley on 01484 471568 or e-mail events@hud.ac.uk.
