Speaker in York to spark engagement with Parliament

During the visit the Speaker will:

• talk to young people involved in Take Part York, a scheme working in schools to encourage active citizenship.
• give a keynote speech on the theme of 'Reconnecting Parliament with the Public' to guests and students at the University of York.
• address voluntary and community groups from around Yorkshire.
• discuss the relationship between Parliament and business with the Leeds, York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and discuss opportunities for business to engage with Parliament.

Commenting on the visit Speaker Bercow said:

"When I was appointed Speaker I promised to try and re-engage the country with the work of Parliament and that is a process I want to continue with a series of visits around the UK. 

 

"I am determined to get across that the House of Commons is a vibrant and exciting place that is relevant to the people of the UK no matter where they live. 

 

"It is perhaps particularly relevant that I will be in York, the home town of Guy Fawkes on November 5. Often it is through learning about his exploits on November 5 that many young children are first engaged with Parliament.

 

"During my time in York I hope to give a more constructive picture of Parliament and the importance of engaging with the work it does. I am particularly keen to hear what the people of York and Yorkshire think the House of Commons ought to be doing to make itself more relevant to them."