As Speaker of the House of Commons, I am in a unique position to appreciate the urgent need to reconnect Parliament with the people it represents. I hope that Parliament’s developing relationship with the many outstanding voluntary organisations represented by the NCVO serves as an inspiring example of this reconnection.
The impact of the expenses debacle has been substantial and far-reaching. It is certainly a cruel paradox that at a time when MPs have never worked harder, their standing has rarely been lower.
However, in the wake of these events, Parliament has refocused on making significant progress towards bringing individuals and organisations closer to the decision-making and scrutiny that defines our effectiveness as an institution.
An illustration of this fresh approach to engagement is the work undertaken by the Parliamentary Outreach team, in partnership with the NCVO, in training representatives of third-sector bodies to recognise opportunities to participate in and inform Parliamentary proceedings.
I am looking forward to meeting as many of you as possible on 26 January and to hear your ideas for engaging the House of Commons with the invaluable experience, skills and know-how that is the hallmark of voluntary organisations in this country.
John Bercow, MP for Buckingham and Speaker of the House of Commons
[...] your voice heard by politicians; while the Speaker of the House of Commons himself, John Bercow, gives an insight into the implications of the expenses scandal and sets out how parliament will be seeking to work closer with individuals and organisations in [...]