Final guest speakers announced for ‘Opening Up Democracy’ event

We are delighted to confirm our final guest speakers who will join Jenny Watson in discussing the need for a more universally inclusive politics at the upcoming ‘Opening Up Democracy’ event on the 5th July.

The Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow MP, will be attending to offer some opening remarks on the subject of disability and political inclusion, a topic which is of great interest to him. In addition to work mentioned on his biography, he has previously been named ePolitix’s ‘Disability Champion’ in 2007 for his work with children suffering from communication impairments and, this year, he spoke at the APPG on Disability in March on electoral accessibility.

He will be joined by Helen Goodman MP, Shadow Minister for Work and Pensions who will discuss the considerations MPs can make when communicating with their constituents to ensure the hard to reach are not excluded. She will also offer her knowledge of the issues impacting on the lives of people with disabilities and how these might affect their democratic engagement.

We would like to thank them both for their support and participation and are sure that they will offer valuable insights into accessible democracy.

There are still spaces available to those MPs who are interested in attending ‘Opening Up Democracy’. If you would like more information, or to book your place at the event, please contact james.robinson@unitedresponse.org.uk in the United Response press office.

James Robinson, Communications Project Assistant