Speaker's initiatives
To help make Parliament relevant to a wider audience, the Speaker supports or runs a varied programme of initiatives.
Roots to Parliament
The Roots to Parliament programme is a new initiative by the Speaker to celebrate the rich and diverse history of the community of people engaged in various roles at the House of Commons.
So far our Roots to Parliament stories have covered connections to the Commonwealth and celebrated Inter Faith Week by asking MPs and staff across Parliament what faith and religion means to them.
Speaker's Flagpoles
The three flagpoles in New Palace Yard were officially unveiled by the Speaker on 8 March 2021.
On most days, the Union flag will fly from all three flagpoles. The flagpoles will also be used to celebrate or mark significant national events.
UK Youth Parliament House of Commons Sitting
Since 2010 the Speaker has sponsored the UK Youth Parliament Sitting in the House of Commons.
The debate is chaired by the Speaker or a Deputy Speaker; this follows a nation-wide vote on what Members of the Youth Parliament should debate and campaign on.
You can watch previous sittings of the Youth Parliament on YouTube:
Speakers’ Joint Advisory Committee on a Parliamentary Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum
The National Memorial Arboretum is a British site of national remembrance at Alrewas, near Lichfield, Staffordshire. Its objective is to honour the fallen, recognise service and sacrifice, and foster pride in the British Armed Forces and civilian community.
By commissioning a memorial at the site of national remembrance, the Speaker wishes to honour the fallen, recognise the service and sacrifice of those who died whilst sitting as a Member of Parliament or working for the House Service. The Advisory Committee was established to take this forward.
Speaker's Corner
This is a growing collection of short videos of the Speaker in conversation with members of the Parliamentary community.