Who acts as the chief parliamentary figure overseeing debates in the House of Commons?

The Speaker of the House of Commons serves as the chief parliamentary figure overseeing debates. This role is pivotal in maintaining order during discussions and ensuring that the rules of the House are followed. The Speaker is responsible for calling on Members of Parliament (MPs) to speak, managing the flow of debate, and ensuring that all voices are heard fairly, which is essential for a functioning democracy.

Moreover, the Speaker must remain impartial and refrain from taking sides in debates, representing the interests of the entire House rather than any specific party. This independence helps uphold the integrity of parliamentary proceedings and fosters an environment where democratic debate can thrive.

In contrast, the Prime Minister, the Chief Whip, and the Leader of the Opposition all play different roles within the parliamentary system. The Prime Minister is the head of the government, the Chief Whip ensures party discipline, and the Leader of the Opposition leads the main opposition party, but none of them have the specific responsibility of moderating debates in the House like the Speaker does.