Speaker thanks teachers ‘for engaging young people in democracy.’
31 January 2024
Teachers from across the UK had the chance to quiz the Speaker of the House of Commons about his roots to Parliament - and what it was like having Nancy Pelosi in his Chorley constituency.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle also stressed that the weekly Prime Minister’s Questions’ session is ‘a great way to engage the public, while also giving MPs an opportunity to raise local issues’.
The Speaker made his comments during a visit by 70 members of the UK Parliament Teacher Ambassador programme, who are in Westminster to watch debates and learn more about the role of MPs, peers, doorkeepers and select committees.
During a question-and-answer session, he was asked about his role as Speaker and MP for Chorley; being the first Lancastrian in the top job; keeping MPs safe, and the effect of social media on politicians.
He also spoke of his pride in bringing US House of Representatives’ former Speaker Pelosi to a G7 Speakers’ Summit in Chorley. ‘It’s an occasion my constituents will never forget,’ he said.
Sir Lindsay used the opportunity to thank the teachers ‘for their hard work encouraging young people to take part in school elections and debates’.
‘Without you we wouldn’t have a new generation of politicians coming through,’ he told the group.
‘Who knows: you might even be teaching the next MP, Prime Minister or Speaker.’
The three-day ambassador programme offers teachers and politicians the chance to share experiences and see how they can work together to encourage young people to get involved in democracy.