Speaker to lead G7 on protecting Parliaments from terrorism

The UK Speaker of the House of Commons is to welcome seven of the world’s most important politicians to the North-West of England later this year for the annual G7 Speakers’ conference.

Traditionally held in the local area of the host Speaker, the conference will take place on 17-19 September 2021, with Sir Lindsay Hoyle saying he could think of ‘no better place in the country than his constituency of Chorley’ in which to host his international counterparts.

Chorley will welcome Speakers and Presiding Officers representing Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the USA and European Parliament to their first face-to-face meeting since the pandemic began.

Launching the G7 at Astley Hall, Chorley, Sir Lindsay said: "With so many of our parliaments having experience of terrorist attacks and our Members facing threats, abuse and hostility from armchair trolls on social media, now is the time for us to join together to discuss how we can tackle such forces of evil.

"How do we balance public access to Parliaments as well keeping Members and staff safe? Amid this climate, how do our communities raise their voices and get them heard nationally and internationally on these and other issues? These are all massively important topics for our countries.

"I look forward to welcoming my counterparts to one of the most beautiful parts of the UK – to the town where I was born and brought up - to Lancashire and the North-West. I hope to offer the Speakers and Presiding Officers the chance to sample the best of Lancashire hospitality, from Morecombe Bay shrimps to Lancashire creamy, crumbly and tasty cheeses and beautiful scenery at Hoghton Tower, Rivington and Duxbury Woods, in person and not via Zoom!"

The Speakers’ conference is a chance for representatives to come together to exchange experiences, opinions and information, primarily on parliamentary matters, such as the role of parliaments and the organisation of parliamentary functions in a rapidly changing world.