School of Social and Political Science

Description

The Lord Speaker, Lord McFall of Alcluith, will reflect on nearly 40 years in politics and share his thoughts on how policy-makers should be tackling the challenges of the future. Before entering Parliament in 1987 as the MP for Dumbarton, Lord McFall worked in a number of roles before moving into education, becoming a teacher and finally a deputy head-teacher. His career in Parliament spans a wide range of roles in the House of Commons and House of Lords – he was a Minister for Northern Ireland in the wake of the Belfast (Good Friday) agreement, and served nine years as Chair of the influential Treasury Select Committee. In the House of Lords he has served in senior governance roles, first as Senior Deputy Speaker, and now as Lord Speaker, representing the House at home and abroad. Lord McFall is uniquely placed to reflect on how Parliament works, and what role it can play in meeting the challenges facing society today.

This event will be in-person and livestreamed. Please select either an in-person or online ticket when registering.

Agenda

18:00 - Registration, networking and refreshments

18:30 - Welcome by Gavin Jack, Dean of UEBS

18:35 - Introduction by Prof James Mitchell

18:40 - Speech by Lord McFall, Lord McFall of Alcluith

19:05 - Q&A

19:30 - 20:30 – Networking, drinks and canapes

Speaker bio - Lord McFall of Alcluith

Born Glasgow, 1944. Raised in Dumbarton, left school without qualifications at 15.

BSc in Chemistry from Paisley College of Technology (now the University of the West of Scotland). BA in Education and Philosophy from the Open University. MBA from the University of Strathclyde.

Chemistry and maths teacher and deputy head 1974-87.

Labour MP for Dumbarton and later West Dunbartonshire 1987-2010. Served as a Minister in the Northern Ireland Office and as a Government Whip.

Chair of the House of Commons Treasury Select Committee 2001-10, driving its work to scrutinise the key players during the global banking and financial crisis and making major recommendations to ensure reform of the sector.

Awarded life peerage as Lord McFall of Alcluith in 2010. Served on the Parliamentary Commission on Banking Standards and the House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee.

Senior Deputy Speaker of the Lords 2016-21, overseeing introduction of remote working during the Covid-19 pandemic. Led reforms to the select committees of the House. Played leading role in creation of Conduct Committee with independent lay members.

Elected Lord Speaker in 2021, with responsibility to oversee proceedings in the chamber, chair the House of Lords Commission and promote the work of the House in the UK and abroad.

Lord McFall is passionate about communicating the value of the House of Lords externally, bringing the devolved parliaments and Westminster closer and ensuring the House of Lords remains on the path of reform and modernisation. He has established a Lord Speaker’s Corner video podcast series to widen understanding of the Upper House and introduce viewers to the experience and expertise of its members.