American Accent Heard in UK Parliament

American-born Member of Parliament Joy Morrissey, who was elected as MP for Beaconsfield in last December's General Election, made her maiden speech in the House of Commons February 24, 2020.

In her speech, Ms Morrissey, who was born in Indiana, began by noting that Monday marked "the day that American-born ... Nancy Astor gave her maiden speech, and I am delighted that it has only taken 100 years for an American accent to once again become moderately acceptable within the Chamber."

Ms Morrissey went on to say "Nancy Astor was famous for her quick wit and her ability to break down class barriers. She would work across the House to fight for social justice issues and I hope to do the same. Like Lady Astor, I have a shared passion for reform of our criminal justice system, particularly prisons, and breaking the cycle of reoffending and crime that so many young offenders find themselves in. I also want to fight for our veterans and police—men and women who have risked their lives to keep us safe and free."

Taking advantage of the interesting American link to her maiden speech, she went on to point out her own constituency's US connection; "Beaconsfield has been home to influential thinkers, artists and entrepreneurs of the day, from William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania – I thought we would do an American theme today; why not? - whose estate sits within picturesque Stoke Poges; to Barry Gibb, lead singer of the Bee Gees; to Pinewood Studios, a global leader in the creative arts."

It's great to hear an American accent in Parliament, and we sincerely hope that as a US-UK dual national living in the UK, Ms Morrissey can offer a unique perspective in the House of Commons which could help to reduce many of the ongoing and unique issues, such as US Tax, which are currently facing other US born citizens based in Britain.

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