Speaker supports lifelong learning
16 February 2012 (updated on 16 February 2012)
As part of his commitment to engaging with communities across the UK, the Speaker of the House of Commons, Rt Hon John Bercow MP made a recent visit to the North West to meet groups in Stockport and Salford.
Speaking at the Woodley Methodist Church in Stockport, Mr Speaker addressed a large audience of around 200 members of the University of the Third Age (U3A).
U3As are self-help, self-managed lifelong learning co-operatives for older people no longer in full time work, providing opportunities for their members to share learning experiences in a wide range of interest groups and to pursue learning not for qualifications, but for fun.
The Speaker outlined his role and spoke about recent changes to the House. Mr Speaker then took part in a lively question and answer session which covered topics such as the behaviour of MPs in the Chamber, the role of committees, and possible future reform to the House of Commons.