Speaker Bercow talks democracy to young people in Plymouth

Young people in Plymouth have been treated to the inside scoop on life in Parliament.

The Speaker of the House of Commons, the Right Honourable John Bercow MP has been visiting Plymouth and came to the Council House to talk to children from HMS Heroes and representatives from the UK Youth Parliament, Plymouth Youth Cabinet and the City Youth Council.

The Rt Hon John Bercow MP is the 157th Speaker and was elected in June 2009. He said: “I’m very interested to talk to the children and hear from them. They obviously have an interest in politics, in how Parliament works and how they can get involved. I try to inspire them as best I can, show them that politics will affect their lives and that if they get involved they can make a difference.”

The Speaker has a regional outreach programme where he visits regions to talk to people about Parliament. He gave a presentation and then held a question and answer session with around 30 young people.

11 year old Ellie Childs said: “It was inspiring, really good to hear about how it works in the real world.”

Secretary of the City Youth Council, 8 year old Emily Shakespeare-Thomas added: “It was a great opportunity as I want to be an MP when I grow up.”

Andrew Brown, Chair of the City Youth Council said: “It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet him and it was really inspiring.”

Council Leader Tudor Evans added: “I’m very pleased that children who are already involved in democracy in the city have had a chance to hear about life in Parliament from the Speaker. There are lots of opportunities for young people here in Plymouth to get involved in debating and politics at difference levels and at an early age. Hearing about Parliament from the Speaker himself has really ignited their interest and I hope they will go on to be involved in politics as adults.”