Speaker

   The impartial officer who presides over legislative bodies such as the House of Commons. In Britain, the Speaker is an experienced Member of Parliament (MP) who is elected to chair the proceedings of the House. Among the functions of the office, Speakers: call those who wish to participate in House debates, generally giving precedence to Privy Councillors but also acknowledging the interests of particular MPs and the period that has elapsed since they last addressed the House; try to ensure that parties receive a fair share of debate time and that opinions within parties are fairly represented; discipline MPs where necessary, making them apologise for unparliamentary language and even on occasion suspending them; and rule on points of parliamentary procedure. They do not themselves speak in debate.

   To carry out such functions, incumbents need to be firm but fair, possess the confidence of the House, be able to follow the course of debates, have a knowledge and understanding of how Parliament works, and – ideally – a ready wit to defuse potentially difficult situations, when the atmosphere of the House is highly charged.