Sixth Form Politics Students Visit Parliament

Last Tuesday, 16 Lower Sixth students of A Level Politics, accompanied by two staff, travelled to Westminster to visit Parliament.

They were hosted by Lord Griffiths of Burry Port, a former Kingswood parent and Governor, who now sits on the Labour front bench in the House of Lords.

The group was treated to a tour of Parliament, including the oldest part of the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Hall, begun in 1097, as well as some of the stories behind the rebuilding of Parliament following the fire of 1834.

Other highlights of the tour included seeing the Speaker’s procession, witnessing at first hand the Victorian splendour of the Royal Gallery and Royal Robing Room and exploring the Chamber of the House of Lords.

The day also featured a question-and-answer session with another peer, Lord Roberts of Llandudno, during which students were able to hear his views on topics such as Brexit, the refugee crisis and the Conservative-Lib Dem Coalition.

A superb visit was concluded when the group returned to the Chamber of the House of Lords, this time to listen to members of the Government taking questions from other peers on issues as varied as the Social Metrics Commission, the regulation of drones and international security co-operation after Brexit.

The group are very grateful to Lord Griffiths and his team for facilitating this wonderful day.

Mr MacDonald would also like to thank the students and Mr Darwin for their excellent company.