G7 Speaker's Conference

Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Our own MP and Speaker of the House of Commons is to welcome seven of the world's most important politicians to Chorley 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 - we couldn't agree more!

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. The theme of the Speakers' G7 is 'Secure versus Open Parliaments?' 
 
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.

'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 Morecambe 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!'

On his last visit to St Joseph's, one of the children asked Sir Lindsay if we could come along to the Speaker's conference. We have now had an invitation through for one of our Year 6 pupils to join pupils from primaries throughout Chorley in attending this very special event. This is a truly amazing opportunity and it seems only fitting that we select the pupil, who will represent us, with a vote! 

In September, we will ask Year 6 pupils to develop and deliver a campaign speech as to why they should be chosen. The rest of the school will watch the speeches, ask questions then vote on who they would like to represent them at the conference in Astley Park on September 18th. 

More information will follow soon as children will need parental permission to enter.