Mark Francois, MP for Rayleigh and Wickford, recently met with the Rayleigh Grange U3A on their visit to the Palace of Westminster. Members of the group were given the exciting opportunity to take a tour of Parliament, before meeting local their MP, Mark, in Westminster Hall.
40 members of the U3A were initially met in Westminster Hall by their 3 guides, before embarking on an extensive tour of the Houses of Parliament, which included viewing the chambers in both the House of Lords and the House of Commons, the Royal Gallery, the Queen’s robbing room and the Voting Lobbies, as well as discussions on the history and architecture of what is one of the most recognised buildings in the world.
Following the tour, the group convened in the Jubilee Cafe for tea and cakes, before being joined by Mark, who showed them to Westminster Hall for a question and answer session. The group were keen to quiz Mark on the nature of his role as a Government Whip, and his special role as the Vice Chamberlain of Her Majesty’s Household. When all the questions had been answered, Mark presented the group with certificates to commemorate their visit.
Speaking about the visit, Mark Francois said:
“It was a pleasure to welcome Rayleigh Grange U3A to Westminster, as I welcomed their sister group, Rayleigh U3A, last year. I think it is important for people to take the opportunity to come and visit Parliament in order to learn more about what goes on in Westminster and better understand the democratic process, as well as making the most of the opportunity to visit such a beautiful building. I hope the group enjoyed their tour, and I look forward to staying in touch with them in the future”.