Eighteen members of the Rights Respecting School Council visited the Palace of Westminster today where they were given a guided tour taking in the House of Commons, the House of Lords and Westminster Hall.

In addition, the children took part in a debating workshop helping them to understand more about how the democratic process works.

Local MP, the Rt Hon. Sir Iain Duncan Smith, joined in with the workshop session taking time to answer questions about his life in Parliament.

Year 4 councillor, Alfie, was particularly pleased about meeting Chingford's MP when he found out that he is supporting efforts to help Ralph Tatham, a 3 year-old toddler from Chingford whose family are seeking urgent support for a serious medical condition he is struggling with. Alfie commented, "My brother is helping to raise awareness about Ralph's situation. At the recent school Christmas Fair he managed to raise quite a bit of money to help the campaign to support Ralph."

Alfie added, "It's good to know that someone as important as Sir Iain Duncan Smith is supporting the cause."

Year 6 councillor, Emma, really enjoyed the workshop session. "Everyone got to share their views on a debate about meat-free dinners at school," she commented, adding, "it was especially good to listen to different opinions and views of our councillors and the way they articulated them."

Ana from Year 3 was very impressed by the beauty of the building saying, “I found out that some parts of Westminster Hall are over 900 years old which blows my mind!"

This was the second Rights Respecting School Council visit this term following on from November's trip to New City Hall, home of the Mayor of London and the London Assembly. Next term the councillors will be visiting Walthamstow Town Hall to meet the  borough's mayor and find out how Waltham Forest is governed.

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