Ex-Commons speaker John Bercow to bring 'Order!' to prison lags with new public speaking classes

An ex-House of Commons Speaker will be giving public speaking lessons to lags.

John Bercow, 61, who kept MPs in line for 10 years by calling for “order, order”, will teach 16 category B inmates on a six-week pilot course.

He hopes his classes at HMP Pentonville in North London will boost cons’ confidence and self-esteem.

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Prison bosses reckon they may curb re-offending by giving inmates vital employment skills.

Mr Bercow said: “Everyone should have a chance to turn their lives around, accumulate skills and put those skills to use – and one is the ability to communicate.”

“It’s how to prepare for a situation where you’re going to pitch – like a job interview or an appeal to a Parole Board.”

Lags at other jails enjoy courses such as comedy scriptwriting and street dancing.

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