Speaker of the House of Commons: A look back

_{The Speaker of the House of Commons led a special ceremony in Parliament today to celebrate the community created by the Armed Forces for families, workplaces and in times of need.} 

^{The Voices of Armed Forces Children choir, Never Such Innocence - who reached the semi-finals of the ITV show Britain’s Got Talent - sang their own songs at a special flag raising event in New Palace Yard.} 

^{Sir Lindsay Hoyle used the opportunity ahead of Armed Forces Day on 25 June to thank servicemen and women for "keeping us safe, and for keeping us going".} 

^{He also praised the military for epitomising the sense of family and community wherever they are deployed.} 

_{"From liberating the Falkland Islands 40 years ago, to helping us through the pandemic, and even serving here in the House of Commons - the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force are always there for us in our hour of need," he said.} 

_{"The bond they create with each other and the communities for whom they serve is one that should be celebrated.} 

_{"Our special ceremony gave MPs the chance to hear from children of serving and veteran personnel about what it is like for them when we deploy Mum or Dad for the greater good."}

_{The ceremony, which included music from The Band of the Scots Guards, marks a year since the Speaker signed the Armed Forces Covenant, which commits the House of Commons to being a ‘Forces friendly’ employer.} 

_{Honouring an unwritten convention which came into place after Speaker Weatherill, the Speaker also attended a Q&A session with National Audit Office staff. The Speaker met with Comptroller and Auditor General, Gareth Davies, and answered questions on topics such as returning to business following the relaxation of Covid restrictions, and my role as Speaker.}

The Speaker welcomed the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, Nathan Cooper. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss social media and how it is used to engage and educate citizens in parliamentary democracy, and the good working relationship between the two nations.

The Speaker welcomed to the House of Commons, His Excellency Mr. Ioannis Raptakis, Ambassador for Greece. The meeting provided a good opportunity to discuss UK-Greece relations.

The Speaker flew the Windrush flag outside Parliament to celebrate Windrush Day.

Windrush Day provides an opportunity to celebrate communities across the country and honour the contribution of those who arrived in the UK more than 70 years ago.