A Trip to Westminster
Wednesday 20th June saw the second group of A level Politics students visiting the Palace of Westminster this term, accompanied by Mr David Ridout, Mrs Rosemary Shipley and Mr Simon Andrews. We were looked after by Mr Daniel O’Byrne OS who met us in Westminster Hall which was being prepared for the visit of Aung San Suu Kyi taking place the following day.
We had a fine view of the splendid Speaker’s Procession into the House of Commons where the students were fortunate in being able to sit in the public gallery for Prime Minister’s Questions.
One of the highlights of the day was having lunch with Mr Nigel Evans, our local MP and Assistant Speaker of the House of Commons, on the riverside terrace. We were also privileged to meet Jack Straw MP, who has held high office in government, and several other MPs.
After lunch we visited the beautiful and historic Chapel of St Mary Undercroft where Daniel O’Byrne explained some of the history of the chapel and answered questions about politics and its career opportunities.
Then over the road to the BBC Westminster Studios where Mr Bill Parkinson explained the whole process of political and news broadcasting for both radio and television. The Supreme Court was the final location for our day at Westminster. We were shown the courts themselves and were able to discuss with their Head of Communications the types of cases that are heard - the most recent one being the extradition of Julian Assange. There followed a photo opportunity outside No. 10 Downing Street and a peaceful journey back to Stonyhurst, the group still buzzing with the range of experiences on this wonderful trip.
Mr Simon Andrews