In this Christmas edition of our General Talk podcast, host Harry Bucknall talks to the Right Honourable Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, Speaker of the House of Commons, about life in politics.
Sir Lindsay recalls being elected to represent Chorley in 1997, the start of a long and distinguished Parliamentary career. As a proud Lancastrian, he says: “to represent my hometown is everything”.
As Honorary Colonel of 3 Medical Regiment, British Army, he talks about his pride in serving Army medics all over the world, his activities with Army regiments and supporting the Armed Forces: “I will always be there to bat on their behalf and what I’ve tried to do is show that Parliament cares and that we respect their service.”
Sir Lindsay explains Parliament’s importance as the principal “check and balance” on governments on behalf of the electorate and about having a “wonderful job” which he always tries to do “fairly, honestly and with impartiality”. He shares fond memories of his “hero”, former Speaker the late Baroness Betty Boothroyd.
He also highlights the importance of the monarchy and developing Britain’s relationship with the Commonwealth “family”, especially on trade, and expresses his personal hopes for more tolerance and respect in these troubled times: “We’ve got to get the world back to how it should be.”
The ABF is grateful to Sir Lindsay for giving us his valuable time, and for his Christmas messages of tolerance and gratitude to our Armed Forces.