Speaker's Conference

In the House of Commons, the Leader of the House, Lucy Powell, moved a motion to establish a Speaker's Conference to address the issue of threats and violence against candidates and Members of Parliament. Powell emphasized the importance of ensuring that UK parliamentary elections are conducted freely and fairly, and that elected representatives can carry out their duties securely. The proposed Speaker's Conference would consist of the Speaker and up to 14 other Members appointed by the Speaker. It would consider the factors influencing the threat levels against candidates and MPs, as well as the effectiveness of the response to such threats, and make recommendations to secure free and fair elections and appropriate protection for candidates and elected representatives. Powell reassured the House that Members of Parliament would be represented on the Speaker's Conference, and that this would be an ongoing process, not a one-time event, allowing for contributions from various stakeholders. She also took the opportunity to thank the Speaker for their work in keeping Members of the House safe, stating that the Speaker's Conference would be an important step in this ongoing effort. The motion was put to a vote and agreed to by the House, marking a significant step in addressing the pressing issue of threats and violence against those involved in the democratic process. The debate that followed likely involved discussions around the specific composition and terms of reference of the Speaker's Conference, as well as the broader challenges faced by candidates and elected representatives in maintaining the integrity and security of the UK's parliamentary system.