Sep 2014 Visit & Tour of the Houses of Parliament

This visit and tour was for members and guests. 29 people booked in with Alan.

The day proved a little showery but this in no way damped our spirits or stopped us fully enjoying the wonderful setting, full of history. The guides were very well briefed and explained along the way the history of the building and how our system of government has developed over the years since the original was built in the 11th century.  We saw the main corridors and halls including the green House of Commons and the red House of Lords. Some folk went on to sit in the Strangers Gallery and hear the politicians debate in person, while others took in the sights around the area.

' We decided to stay in the spectators' gallery until questions to the PM had finished. I was interested to see how it ended. In fact they eventually simply switched to the next item on the agenda, without any break, with the PM and a few of his party departing from the chamber at that point. Andrew Lansley (South Cambridgeshire) asked a question.
Then, very quickly, Points of Order began, the Speaker nominating one after another, and there were a lot. This was fascinating as all of the points were aimed at the Speaker! They were all trying to get at him regarding the proposed appointment of the inexperienced woman as head of his administrative department - a senior appointment. They did not let him rest for quite a long time. We eventually left the Gallery at 17.55. We then called in Covent Garden for a meal, arriving home around 21.30
A good day!'

'Just a quick note to thank you for organising today's trip. We enjoyed the tour very much. Neither of us had been before.  We then went onto Westminster Abbey, the War Rooms and caught the ferry down to the Tower of London to see the poppy display.'

Description - The Palace of Westminster is the meeting place of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, the two houses of the Parliament of the United Kingdom.  This iconic building has been the seat of government for over 700 years.  In 1836 a fire meant a comprehensive redesign to create the present largest gothic building in the world with over 1,000 rooms, 2 miles of corridor and 3 towers.  Please be prepared for a bit of a walk !

Tour takes approx 75mins.

Lunch and London to follow.

We meet at Door B/8 Cromwell Green Entrance on St Margarets Street, for security checks at 10.30am. (Leave through Door A) and will be split into 2 groups with a guide each.  Only some areas can be photographed.

www.parliament.uk/documents/facilities/maps/colmap.pdf