J6 visit the Palace of Westminster

On Monday 14th January, J6 travelled to London to visit the Palace of Westminster to see Parliament in action. They travelled by train to Paddington and by underground to Westminster learning how to read the tube maps and negotiate platforms, escalators and turnstiles as well as London commuters. They walked up Whitehall in fairly inclement weather past Downing street to Trafalgar Square where they took refuge in a cafe to eat their packed lunch.

On arrival at Portcullis House they enjoyed a tour of the Houses of Parliament and sat in on a debate in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. During their workshop on how a law is made they debated with each other on opposing benches remembering to refer to each other as "My right honourable friend," showing greater courtesy than the MPs in the Commons perhaps. Their motion that bicycle helmets should be mandatory was passed by a majority vote. They were then visited by Charlotte Leslie, MP for Bristol North West and Old Badmintonian who talked to them candidly about life as an MP. After supper and hot chocolate at Paddington station they returned to Bristol tired but well-informed. Mrs Cotterell, Mrs Taylor and Mrs Henzel were very impressed by their impeccable behaviour throughout the day.