On Monday 3rd of March, both Year 12 and 13 A level Politics students went on a tour of the Palace of Westminster, with Mr Russell, Head of History, Politics & Citizenship & Ms Bird, Head of Sixth Form – both of whom teach Politics A Level. After meeting our guides, we were taken through the airport like security before being given an identifying orange visitor lanyard which we all had to wear for the duration of our visit.
Our first stop was Westminster Hall, the oldest part of the Palace of Westminster, originally built for William the Conqueror in the 11th century and which is used today for big ceremonial occasions, such as when Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin laid in state before her funeral. Our guide informed us that much of what you see today is actually from the Victorian era, when the Palaces of Westminster were rebuilt in the Gothic Revival style under the direction of leading architects, Barry, Pugin & Gilbert Scott following the fire that destroyed the old palace in 1834.
Our tour then took us through St Stephen’s Hall to the Central Lobby, which from there leads to both the House of Commons & Lords. St Stephen’s Hall is the last place any photography is allowed, which is why we only have a few photos from our visit.
During our tour we not only visited the State Rooms – the King’s Robing Room, Royal Gallery and Prince’s Chamber, all of which are used by the monarch for the State Opening of Parliament, but were able to go into both chambers of the Palace: the House of Lords, famous for it’s red benches and then through the division lobby (where voting still takes place in the Commons) to the famous green benches of the House of Commons. We were able to stand on the floor of the House of Commons, where our politicians sit on a daily basis, able to see the Speaker’s Chair, the Government & Opposition benches at first hand, experiencing the small space of the Commons debating chamber.
After a break for lunch in the Parliament café, we were then able to sit in the public gallery and witness a Ministerial Questions session – Housing, Communities & Local Government, able to watch Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner answering questions from both sides of the House. We were also lucky enough to witness Prime Minister Starmer’s Statement on Ukraine and it was fascinating to watch as the Commons chamber filled, almost to its capacity of standing room only. Our students were able to spot the well-known political faces and witness Starmer’s statement followed by the reply of the Leader of the Opposition Badenoch.
It was a superb occasion and we were incredibly lucky with our timing in that we were able to witness a full debating chamber and watch a moment in History as the Prime Minister spoke to the House following the weekend’s events – the fallout of the Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s White House trip and the summit meeting in London of European leaders where support for Ukraine was discussed.
Our students were able to witness the workings of Parliament which has undoubtedly enhanced their knowledge and understanding of Parliament and the UK Politics which they are studying. It was also a very enjoyable day with our brilliant students.
