On their arrival at Parliament the Scouts, from the Crouch Valley District, were met in Central Lobby by Mark, before being taken to the Speaker’s House, where they were able to enjoy an afternoon of tea and cakes with other Scout groups and Parliamentarians.
150 young Scouts, as well as volunteer Scout leaders, from across the UK were able to mingle with MPs at the annual Speaker’s Reception. The event, co-hosted by the All Party Parliamentary Scout Group and the Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow MP, is a unique opportunity for young people in Scouting to experience meeting with their own and other MPs in the House of Commons to talk about the challenges facing Scouting, such as the lack of adult volunteers.
Following the tea party, Mark then took the Scouts to the Strangers (Public) Gallery in the House of Commons, where they were able to sit and watch a live debate taking place.
Commenting on the visit by the Scouts to Westminster Mark Francois said:
“I was delighted to meet some of the Scouts from my constituency and am pleased that they were given the opportunity to attend such a special event. I am heartened to see that Scouting continues to be very popular, providing young people with opportunities to try out new adventures. I wish them and The Scout Association the very best of luck in the future. If anyone would like to join the Explorer Scouts, who are aged 14-18, or become a volunteer leader for the Scouts, they should contact Tom Fogg on
[email protected]”