Podcast Summary: Speaking with the Speaker

Podcast: LSE: Public Lectures and Events
Episode Date: January 25, 2010
Guests: John Bercow (Speaker of the House of Commons), hosted by Tony Travers

Overview

This episode features a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation between Tony Travers and John Bercow, then-Speaker of the UK House of Commons. The discussion delves into the role of the Speaker, the processes and challenges of Parliamentary reform, political independence, the aftermath of the expenses scandal, and the importance of inclusivity, transparency, and public engagement in modern democracy.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Role of the Speaker in UK Parliament

• Impartial Referee:
  • “Traditionally, the role of the speaker has been to act as a referee of, but not a player in, the game… the speaker’s duty is not to take sides… but to serve as the leader of the Good Order and Fair Play party.” (John Bercow, 03:36)
  • Also compared the role to that of a head teacher, keeping order and encouraging participation.
• Multiple Responsibilities:
  • Chairing the Chamber (presiding over debates).
  • Chairing the House of Commons Commission (overseeing parliamentary services and staff).
  • Representing the House externally ("meeting and greeting" dignitaries, promoting understanding of Parliament).

2. Transitioning from Partisan MP to Independent Speaker

• On the Personal Challenge:
  • Bercow highlighted his previous experiences chairing committees helped ease the transition from active party politics to an impartial role (06:42).
  • “Has it on the whole been difficult?… in all candour, no.”
  • He had already begun focusing on cross-party issues before becoming Speaker, such as human rights and global poverty.

3. Motivation for Becoming Speaker and His Reform Agenda

• Why the Speakership?
  • “I was self confident enough… to think I’ve got something to offer Parliament. I didn’t want to be a minister… I think I would be good as Speaker…” (09:09)
• Reforming Parliament:
  • Cleaning up the expenses system — shifting to an expenses-based system, with transparency and independent oversight.
  • Empowering backbench MPs, making Parliament more assertive in holding the government to account.
  • Increasing independence in the selection of select committee chairs and members, handing more control of the timetable to Parliament.
  • Outreach and open engagement with the public to rebuild trust: “We’ll recover self respect… by being willing to talk, to hear from and take account of other people.” (09:09)

4. Barriers to Parliamentary Reform

• Dominance of the Executive:
  • Travers: MPs have “allowed themselves… to be maneuvered by the executive… don’t scrutinise it enough.” (16:25)
• Timing & Political Will:
  • Bercow observed that substantial reforms may be more possible late in a Parliament, not right after an election (17:36).
  • Strongly advocated for “Wright Committee” reforms (electing select committee chairs/members, business committee for non-government time).
  • “In the end, people can’t be forced to be free… Members have got to decide are they going to be under the thumb or assert themselves?” (19:49)

5. Recovering Parliamentary Credibility Post-Expenses Scandal

• Transparency as critical: “Transparency about the past… transparency for the future… is critically important.” (41:53)
• Expenses and pay should be set independently, not by MPs themselves, to restore public trust.

6. Increasing Backbench and Independent Influence

• Urgent questions: Bercow increased the frequency to hold ministers to account.
• Advocated more opportunities for private members bills and debates outside of the government agenda.
• Filibustering condemned: “I think people think it stinks and we should move away from it.” (47:49)

7. Diversity and Representation in Parliament

• Addressing underrepresentation:
  • “It’s a problem that Parliament is disproportionately white, male, middle class and able bodied.” (32:54)
  • Speaker’s Conference established to recommend ways to improve representation of women, minorities, and disabled people.
  • Willingness to consider targets or quotas if progress is not made (33:54).

8. Engaging Disaffected or Extreme Voters

• Warning against protest votes for extremist parties; called for support of “parties committed to democracy, committed to fairness.” (51:42)
• Major parties as “coalitions” more likely to bring meaningful change.

9. Electoral and House of Lords Reform

• Speaker remains neutral on proposals, but predicts electoral reform debates will persist if public perception of unfairness grows.
• On the Lords: previously supported a “wholly or predominantly elected” second chamber, suggesting different electoral methods might avoid duplication of the Commons (59:13).

Memorable Quotes

• On the Speaker’s impartiality:
  • "It is my job to make sure that people play by the Parliamentary rules... That concept of the referee is important." (03:36)
• On Backbench Empowerment:
  • "I'd like my legacy to be that I strengthened the role of the backbench member as an inquisitor of government..." (58:58)
• On restoring faith in Parliament:
  • “I think we will recover respect… if we look and sound a bit more like the country we want to govern.” (33:54)
• On transparency after expenses scandal:
  • “Parliament has no right any longer… to choreograph its own expenses system, we’ve lost public trust.” (41:53)
• On government scrutiny:
  • “If you don’t have a strong Parliament, you are really in a situation analogous to that of someone driving a car at 100 miles per hour with no brakes. The thrill of the speed might be exhilarating, but the result is likely to be fatal.” (78:46)

Audience Q&A Highlights

Select Committee Reform (32:54)

• John Bercow: Supports wider use of pre-legislative scrutiny by select committees, better resources and greater independence for committees.

Electoral Reform (34:23)

• Would not directly alter the Speaker’s role, but a more balanced House would require the Speaker to liaise with more parties.

Improving Parliamentary Diversity (36:00)

• Suggestions include removing attitudinal/physical barriers, tackling discriminatory selection, financial support for candidates with limited means, openness to targets or quotas.

Restoring Public Trust (39:06)

• Recommends maximum transparency; critical to have independent oversight of expenses and MP pay.

Running as an Independent Speaker (45:39)

• Bercow campaigns with no party support, raises funds independently, faces challenge from smaller parties/independents.

Private Members’ Bills & Filibustering (47:49)

• Calls for better scheduling and less filibustering to enhance legislative quality.

Engaging the Disaffected (50:30, 58:58)

• Advocates outreach, better technology use, public petitions, topical debates, and engaging youth via parliamentary visits.

Backbenchers vs. Government (58:58)

• Legacy wish: backbenchers empowered to scrutinize government and effect change.

On High-profile Speaker (68:50)

• Being visible boosts parliamentary profile, but warns against self-aggrandizement: “It mustn’t be about self aggrandizement. Let me try to be an effective spokesperson for Parliament.”

Important Timestamps

• Role of Speaker & Impartiality: 03:36 – 06:42
• Reform Motivations & Agenda: 09:09 – 16:25
• Challenges to Reform: 16:25 – 22:46
• Backbencher Empowerment & Select Committees: 24:12 – 27:13
• Representation & Electoral Reform: 32:54 – 36:00
• Expenses Scandal & Transparency: 39:06 – 45:37
• Private Members Bills/Filibuster: 47:49 – 49:35
• Voter Disengagement & Youth Involvement: 58:58 – 65:08
• Speaker’s Legacy: 58:58
• Closing Thoughts on Parliamentary Reform/Government Role: 77:47 – 81:05

Tone and Style

John Bercow is articulate, direct, and sometimes self-deprecating. He speaks with conviction about the need for Parliamentary reform and is candid about the shortcomings and challenges the institution faces. Humorous moments lighten the discussion, especially regarding the historical fates of past Speakers.

Conclusion

This episode offers a rare inside look at the modern Speakership and the evolving role of Parliament in a time of political crisis and opportunity for renewal. Bercow’s emphasis on transparency, accountability, empowerment of backbenchers, and public engagement stands out as a clarion call for democratic revitalization in the UK.