The Right Honourable John Bercow MP was guest speaker in Bloxham School’s Great Hall on 13th March.

After a short introduction by Headmaster Paul Sanderson, Mr Bercow, speaking without notes, gave an erudite and informative 25 minute address. He began by asking the audience what they cared about and illustrated how politics matters in those cases. Next, he turned to the Speaker’s role in chairing and managing Parliamentary scrutiny and debate. This involves a prodigious memory: not only does the Speaker need to know the name and constituency of each of the 650 members in order to call them. He also needs to know the views of each member in order to ensure that a balance is aired during a debate. Finally Mr Bercow told us how he is trying to support backbench MPs –ordinary members – against the Government machine by use of committees, citing the recent prominence of the Public Accounts Committee under Margaret Hodge as an example. The reaction of Tom Haynes, Sixth Form student was typical: “A very interesting talk which demystified the role of Speaker and made me think about the importance of voting, and how what happens at Westminster can have an impact on day to day life.”

The speeches were followed by a lively Parliamentary style debate between 20 Sixth Form speakers on “Politics works in 21st Century Britain”. The 180 strong audience consisting of governors, alumni, parents, primary school Heads, Parish Councillors and local business people as well as nine Government & Politics students from the Warriner School then voted. In spite of some strong points against, the motion was carried by a 2:1majority.

After the event Headmaster Mr Sanderson summed up the morning: “It was a real pleasure to welcome Speaker Bercow to Bloxham School and it was a wonderful opportunity for our students to learn more about the workings of Parliament, particularly in the run up to the General Election.  The students did a sterling job debating in front of a large audience and I’m pleased that many people from the local community were able to join us at what was a very interesting event.”

The School hopes to organise more events

like this and to continue to involve the village.

MWF