Speaker of the House of Commons: A look back

The Speaker welcomed the Gurkha Brigade to the House of Commons, as part of an educational visit to learn about how UK Parliament functions.

The Gurkhas have served the British Crown for more than 200 years, and the Speaker was proud to meet with the 125 new recruits.

^{The Speaker was proud to sign a pledge to support female staff going through the menopause.}
_{Mariella Frostrup, Penny Lancaster, Lisa Snowdon and MP Carolyn Harris joined the Commons Speaker as he pledged to introduce measures to make life easier for those experiencing menopause symptoms on the parliamentary estate.}

_{More than one million women in the UK feel under pressure to quit their jobs due to menopause symptoms. Yet many women in their 40s and 50s – when most people experience the menopause – are at the top of their game in terms of work.}

_{Mr Speaker hopes that simple adjustments in the workplace and working patterns will create a better environment for menopausal women in Parliament. These could include:}

• _{Well-ventilated rooms and access to fans}
• _{Encouraging staff to talk about the menopause}
• _{Flexible working}
• _{Breathable uniforms}
• _{Advice from on-site clinical nurses and occupational health team}
• _{Time off for related appointments}
• _{Training for managers}
• _{Menopause awareness events and cafes.}

_{“I value my female colleagues and staff, and I do not want them avoiding promotion or leaving Parliament because of the symptoms they are experiencing," Sir Lindsay said.}

 _{“I also want to break the taboo – just as we did with mental health issues – and get everyone in our parliamentary village talking about the menopause and offering support for those going through it.}

_{“After all, we men are the husbands, brothers, sons and colleagues of those facing the menopause, so it is particularly important that we are onboard as allies to offer our support and understanding.”}

_{At an event in Speaker’s House, Sir Lindsay paid tribute to Swansea East MP, Carolyn Harris, and the TV presenters for using their platforms and own personal experiences of the menopause "to change attitudes".}

_{He also urged all 649 of his MP colleagues to sign the pledge for staff in their Commons and constituency offices.}

_{Ms Harris said she "was thrilled" Mr Speaker had signed the ‘Wellbeing of Women Menopause Workplace Pledge’ which commits the House of Commons Service to recognising, talking about and supporting employees going through the menopause.}

_{“It is so important employers recognise the impact that the menopause can have on women and the difference their support and understanding can make,” she said.}

_{“Mr Speaker’s commitment in signing the pledge signals the House of Commons position as a progressive and supportive employer, and I couldn’t be more delighted about that.”}