The Lower Sixth annual politics’ trip to Parliament took place on Monday 16 March. A smooth journey meant we arrived with plenty of time to spare, allowing us to visit the Supreme Court and discuss several recent cases that have made political headlines.
Whilst the Lord’s entrance was under scaffolding, much of the original Houses of Parliament have been renovated and we could admire Cromwell’s statue once more as we came through the visitor entrance. Airport style security reminds us that this is one of the safest places in the UK and that our democracy needs protecting.
After some much needed refreshments and the obligatory Houses of Parliament shopping purchases, we were joined by Lord Kinnoull, a former St Mary’s Calne parent. He is also both the Cross Bench Convenor and a deputy speaker in the Lords, so we are very grateful for the time he took to give us a tour of the houses as well as a session in a Lords’ Committee Room, giving the students the chance to ask him lots of questions as well as venture their own opinions on topics he raised.
We were also joined by Jack Hanson, former student of Mrs Handy and now a secretary to another Lord: he was kind enough to escort us to the Strangers’ Gallery in the Lords to observe the session of oral questions to government ministers. He also took us to see some of the original Tudor cloisters which the rest of the Victorian palace is modelled on. We are grateful to him for giving up his time as well as Lord Kinnoull and thank them for their kindness.
Mrs Samantha Handy
Head of History and Politics
