The making of a modern Parliament

Canterbury Christ Church University's Public Lecture Series

In 2009, John Bercow was elected 157th Speaker of the House of Commons, and subsequently re-elected in 2010, 2015 and 2017. He has served as MP for Buckingham since 1997. Since his election as Speaker, John has sought to champion the rights of backbenchers and has ensured Parliamentary Business is dealt with in a timely manner to enable as many MPs to contribute as possible. In addition, John has granted an unprecedented number of Urgent Questions in order that Parliament discusses the pressing issues of the day. In his lecture, entitled ‘The making of a modern Parliament’, John discusses the Speakership, the modernisation of Parliament and the importance of opening up our democratic processes.