A group of over 60 pupils and staff were able to take advantage of the Christmas treat. The group assembled in Westminster Hall before being met by their personal tour guides who accompanied them throughout the morning while they took the chance to explore the famous sites, including both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, Central Lobby as well as St Stephen’s Hall.
The tour of Westminster also included a discussion on the history of the Houses of Parliament, as well as the chance to look at the Royal Robing Room used by her Majesty the Queen during the State Opening of Parliament. At the end of the tour, Mark met the children in Westminster Hall before taking questions. The pupils were eager to learn about the role of an MP, and how the legislative process works. Mark then provided all the pupils and staff with certificates to commemorate their visit. Before departing back to Rayleigh the children regrouped for a photograph, taken together with Mark, outside Westminster Hall.
Commenting on the visit, Mark said:
“It was a great pleasure to welcome the party from Rayleigh Primary School to Westminster for their tour. I believe it is important that children are given the opportunity to visit Parliament and begin to get an appreciation and understanding of how our democracy works from an early age. The pupils’ enthusiasm was good to see, and they were very inquisitive regarding the role of an MP, and the work that takes place in Westminster. I hope that I was able to help bring it all to life for them by answering questions about the role of Parliament, and that everyone enjoyed the day.”