Following what has been a tumultuous period in British politics we were delighted to welcome MP Fleur Anderson as the first PIE at Lunchtime speaker of the Autumn Term.

Mrs Anderson spoke about her role as an MP and the workings of the House of Commons, from weekly debates and ‘catching The Speaker’s eye’ to the process of voting.

Campaigning on local and national issues (such as access to services, housing and transport) was of course a major focus with Mrs Anderson explaining the responsibility she feels in representing her constituency in the House of Commons. Local issues about which she spoke passionately included the need for a Clean Air Act, more green buses, the 14 and 74 bus routes and the re-opening of Hammersmith Bridge.

Mrs Anderson told us about her recent trip to Kyiv in Ukraine as part of a delegation of seven MPs who met President Zelensky.

“Politics is all about creating peace”, she explained. “We need peace in our lives to thrive.”

Thank you for a fascinating talk.