The RRS school council went on a really informative trip to the Houses of Parliament today.  We took the train to Liverpool Street and then the Circle line to Westminster.

When we got there Alicia (our fantastic tour guide) gave us a lanyard and we went through airport style security.

We were given some headphones that would help us listen to the tour guide clearer and then we went on our tour through an archway into some very old buildings. You could see the age of the buildings because there were some signs of dates on top of the drain pipes. After that, we went through a mysterious metal door that spins when we go through it.

We were in the heart of parliament by now, while Alicia was talking about where the House of Lords and House of Commons were, a real lord from the House of Lords came to speak to us. He said that he was appointed by David Cameron 10 years ago and he was an expert in trade.

We went up what seemed like thousands of stairs into the House of Commons in the viewing gallery and we got to see a real debate about the eco side of things and net zero .We  were lucky enough  to see where the speaker, government and opposition ministers sit.

When we went down all the stairs we entered our workshop.

 It was about how bills are passed. We enjoyed finding out about parliamentary ping pong, which is when the bills start at House of Commons (one of two debating chambers) and once the idea is agreed among the MPS and the lords it becomes a law after being signed by the monarchy.

One of the councillors named Rebecca said that “My favourite part of visiting parliament was going into the house of commons because you always learn about it but never get to see it and it was a good experience to see it with your own eyes”

Olivia said “My favourite part was when we wore the headphone set because once you hear Alicia you could find out lots of things about parliament that you didn’t know before.”

“My favourite part was when we entered the House of Commons and watched a live debate.” Said Charlotte.