Last week, Frederika visited the Houses of Parliament, with her dad. She wrote a piece on the experiece:
On Wednesday 6th February, my dad and I, took the train down to London to go see the Houses of Parliament. We were fortunate enough to be able to watch the politicians debate and the Prime Ministers Question Time.
However getting inside the houses of Parliament was difficult. We went through security similar to the airport. We were checked about 3 times and given special passes which showed we had been checked and were allowed inside. No pictures were allowed once inside. Before we went into the House of Commons, we saw the speaker’s procession and the Mace being escorted into the house of commons. Seeing the Black Rod carrying the Mace was extremely exciting as parliament cannot officially start without it.
Before we entered we were given clear instructions on what not to do.
No:
-signs of support towards a party.
-food/drink
-photographyOnce we were seated in the House of Commons behind a clear bullet proof screen, the debate began. To start, they talked about issues in the NHS and mental health of children. Then it progressed onto the Prime Ministers Questions. Unfortunately Theresa May was unable to make it, as she was negotiating deals in Ireland. The PMQ’s were mostly about the popular subject of Brexit. Although I didn’t understand everything they were saying it was funny to watch the politicians act like children by mocking and mimicking each other when someone said something they didn’t agree with. After PMQ’s the debate moved onto local questions, where a MP can ask for guidance or help with something in there constituency.
At the end of the debate we were given back our jackets and bags, and we exited through the great hall and gift shop. When we left parliament, outside was full of protesters against leaving or staying in the EU.
Overall it was an amazing experience I would love to do again.
