John Bercow on Parliament, Change and Speaking Out

Days before the general election, this JLA Breakfast looked at the future for our politics with one of the key figures in recent times: former Commons Speaker John Bercow. Well known for reforming aspects of Parliament, he also shared insights on delivering change in the face of numerous obstacles.

John Bercow served as the 157th Speaker of the House of Commons. During a decade in the Speaker’s Chair he presided over Brexit debates and brought about a host of changes. On one level he dispensed with the traditional dress of knee breeches and silk stockings. More significantly he increased the use of ‘Urgent Questions’ requiring Ministers to make 685 statements on pressing issues, extended the time for PMQs, and replaced the Lords’ shooting range with a nursery.

John was introduced and interviewed by Steve Richards, political journalist and broadcaster, author of The Prime Ministers and The Rise of the Outsiders, and host of the stage show Rock N Roll Politics. As well as questioning John, Steve also delivered his own look at events on the election trail.