HOUSE of Commons speaker John Bercow today answered probing questions from an enthusiastic audience of students.
Mr Bercow was invited by Shipley MP Philip Davies to address some 200 young people at Beckfoot School, Bingley.
And as a keen promoter of democratic interaction, Mr Bercow happily gave full and frank answers to a wide range of queries.
John Bercow speaks to students at Beckfoot School, Bingley
As well as pupils from Beckfoot, the event was attended by students at Shipley College, Bradford Christian School, Notre Dame, Samuel Lister and Bingley Grammar.
"It is part of Parliamentary Outreach to visit and talk about the importance of democracy, why politics matters and in what way things could be changed for the better," said Mr Bercow.
"I've always been passionate about parliament, but it's far from perfect."
Asked what was the most challenging aspect of chairing sometimes heated debates in the Commons he replied: "Pleasing everybody - which you can't, but you do your best.
"There are always colleagues who thinks there's no debate that could not be improved by a contribution from themselves".
Mr Bercow explained how he always tried to allow those MPs best qualified to comment on particular issues to have their say and on the question of maintaining impartiality, he said whatever his personal views, he stuck to the duty of giving a fair say to all parties.
"We live in a transparent age where everything is seen and heard, any impartiality would be noted.
"I am always looking to get a balance, but I like people like Philip Davies whose views are independent. I don't just want people to trot our their party line.
On the question of reform to parliamentary process, Mr Bercow said he would prefer Prime Minister's Questions to be less rowdy and take place twice a week instead of just once.
"But we're not a group of Trappist monks and a bit of passion and even anger is not a bad thing."
Other questions included what were his views on proportional representation, the HS2 rail link and the power of lobby groups.
Quizzed on how he had overseen the entire 11 hour 24 minute debate on whether to bomb Syria, Mr Bercow did not divulge all his secrets, but said he had taken just one sip of water an hour and had also earned the nickname of "Iron Bladder" for not taking a single break.
On how to tackle the rise of the so-called Islamic State he described ISIS as a "gross perversion" of Islam and said it was important to prevent the radicalisation of young people through debate and conversation.
Commenting on his trip to Bingley, Mr Bercow said: "The students were very engaged, interested and asked good, penetrating questions."
And encouraging them to get involved with politics at a local or national level, the state-educated son of a London taxi driver who became a Conservative MP told them: "You can be what you want to be - and with your talents, ability and hard work you can make it."
Mr Davies was at the morning event and said how he had initial doubts about Mr Bercow's appointment in 2009, but soon realised he was "magnificent" as Speaker.
Beckfoot sixth-former Patrick Williamson summed up the popular view: "It was really interesting to hear about politics from real people like Mr Bercow and Mr Davies," he said.
Head teacher David Horn thanked Mr Bercow and said the students had appreciated his open and honest answers.
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