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Commons reform on agenda as Speaker visits university
The Speaker of the House of Commons will give a public lecture on parliamentary reform at Hull University today.
John Bercow MP will be speaking in the Allam Lecture Theatre from 7pm as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the university’s department of politics and international studies.
The university said Mr Bercow sees himself not only as the protector of the rights of the Commons, but also an advocate of strengthening it. He has used his powers as Speaker to enable back-benchers to have more of a voice in scrutinising the executive.
In his talk entitled ‘Reform and Parliament’, Mr Bercow will argue that change is natural, desirable and essential to continuity.
He will talk about the ‘Urgent Question’, a device which allows any MP to ask the Speaker to summon a Minister to the House to answer a matter of importance which has suddenly emerged suddenly.
It was a seldom used, with only two granted in the 12 months before Mr Bercow became Speaker, but he has since permitted 89 Urgent Questions. He will assert that this is a positive change for the House.
He will also highlight the work of the Reform of the House of Commons Committee which was created after the expenses scandal in 2009.
One of the main recommendations made by the Committee was that chairs of select committees should be elected by secret ballot in order to make them truly independent.
The prominence achieved by the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee in their investigation of News International is cited an example of how effective the new system is.
Professor of Government Lord Norton said: “It is a huge pleasure to welcome the Speaker to the university as part of the celebrations surrounding the 50th anniversary of the Department of Politics and International Studies.
“As well as his commitment to parliamentary reform, he is to be admired for being a true ambassador for the House of Commons. He encourages greater engagement with the public and facilitates the use of the chamber for such things as youth parliaments. He is a real inspiration and this is a rare opportunity to hear him speak on the fascinating issue of reform.”
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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