Houses of Parliament - Year 12 Politics Visit

On 11th December, the Year 12 Politics cohort went on an insightful trip to Parliament, gaining a greater understanding of the UK political system, especially into what goes on behind closed doors.

Once elected to ‘this place’, the MPs are either given Ministerial roles or put on Select Committees which review Government decisions, Bills, and what they can do for the UK semi-independently from Government. The tour offered a great opportunity to revel in the moment and the poignancy of the Houses of Parliament, soak in the history and importance of ‘this place’. The importance of Westminster Palace was not lost on the Year 12s, adding the experience to their political education journey. The building was very busy, as it is every Wednesday, coupled with a Tractor Rally outside that had brought London to a standstill and a Carol Concert in Westminster Hall.

The Year 12s also had the opportunity to question MPs: Madam Deputy Speaker Caroline Nokes, and MP for Gravesham, Lauren Sullivan. They both offered an insight into their experiences as MPs and members of Government that really told a great story of ‘this place’. We even got to sit in the public gallery of the Commons and watched part of an immigration debate, chaired by the Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper. In addition, two former students came along—James Holland (2012-2019), who now works in the Deputy Speaker’s office and George Nkazi (2014-21), who works as an assistant to Lauren Sullivan, and who are both great examples of students who have studied Politics at GGS and have gone on to do a job in front line politics that they love. The Houses of Parliament are one of the most important places in the UK, the centre of legislature, and administration, the beating heart of the UK. It has played a pivotal role in world affairs at times, and may do so again. Thousands of MPs have sat on those famous benches, impacting everyone, and the Parliament Trip allowed the Year 12s to further understand that. Thank you to the inspirational and ever youthful Mr Townsend for organising such a wonderful trip.

Oscar Fazzani 12CHL