Commons Speaker urges more scientists and engineers to become MPs
28 June 2018 (updated on 28 June 2018)
John Bercow has offered the science community a chance to hold an annual lecture at Speaker’s House to celebrate 30 years of links between scientists and Parliament.
Speaker’s House already plays host to lectures by MPs and members of the House of Lords with expertise in specific areas of public policy.
The Commons Speaker said it was about time the lecture series – which has recently heard from Tony Blair, Ken Clarke, Nick Clegg and Jacob Rees-Mogg – also included an annual event for science.
Mr Bercow made the offer as he opened the 30th Parliamentary Links Day – an event organised by the Royal Society of Biology, which brings together scientists, learned societies and MPs.
Arguing that the Commons could do with more scientists and engineers among its numbers, he told the gathering: “Since we began the series seven years’ ago, we’ve had a host of lectures from politicians from all parties – I really think it’s about time we put on an annual event in Speaker’s House for the science community.”
Launched in January 2011, the Speaker's Lecture Series provides a platform for current and former MPs and peers to boost understanding and engagement in the work of Parliament and its Parliamentarians.
The first Lecture Series marked the 100th anniversary of the Parliament Act of 1911 and reflected on great parliamentarians of the 20th century.