The workings of Parliament

Published on isbi School News dated Friday 19th of June 2015

On the afternoon of Friday 12th June, eighteen Year 10 pupils from St Benedict’s School in Ealing visited Parliament and Downing Street. Before having a tour of Parliament, the group had a question and answer session with Rupa Huq, the recently elected Labour MP for Ealing Central and Acton and the long-established Steve Pound, Labour MP for North Ealing. Ms Huq talked about the recent election campaign whilst Mr Pound made a passionate defence of Britain’s place in the European Union. After the meeting the pupils learnt about the history of Parliament and some of the mechanics of day-to-day politics in both the House of Commons and House of Lords. Leaving Parliament they walked up Whitehall to the entrance of Downing Street. After clearing the heavy security, the St Benedict’s group were able to walk right up to the famous Number 10 door and have their photo taken outside. Unfortunately the Prime Minister was away on official business renegotiating the terms of Britain’s place in the European Union, so there was no meeting with the premier on this occasion!