On November 11, we visited Westminster, the heart of British politics, for a fascinating and educational day exploring the historical and political landmarks of London. The trip provided us with a deeper understanding of the UK’s political system, the workings of Parliament, and the role of elected officials. We were able to explore both historic sites and experience live political events.

Our day began with a guided tour of Westminster, where we learned about the rich history of the building dating back to the 11th century. Our guide explained the historical significance of Westminster, detailing how it has been the political centre of Britain for centuries. We had the opportunity to visit both the House of Lords and the House of Commons. In the House of Lords, we were shown where life peers, bishops, and hereditary peers scrutinise laws and policies. We also learned about the role of the House of Commons, where MPs debate and vote on proposed legislation. It was exciting to see these iconic chambers in person, and we gained a deeper understanding of how Parliament operates.

After our tour, we attended the Remembrance Service held in Westminster Hall. The service commemorated those who have given their lives in military service and was led by the speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle. We were then fortunate to have a Q&A session with Joy Morrissey, the MP for Beaconsfield. She answered a wide range of questions from our group, covering topics such as how to become an MP, the challenges of representing local communities, and the current political issues facing the country. We also discussed local issues like the preservation of greenbelt land and her views on the new U.S. presidency. It was inspiring to hear directly from a serving MP about the realities of political life and her role in Parliament.

After our session with Joy Morrissey, we walked over to the Supreme Court, where we had the chance to watch a live case in action. It was an eye-opening experience to see the legal process unfold in front of us. Following that, we visited other key landmarks, including Downing Street, where we saw the iconic black door of the Prime Minister’s residence, and the Cenotaph, a war memorial honouring British and Commonwealth military personnel who died in the two World Wars. We returned to the Houses of Parliament in time to witness the procession of the Speaker of the House of Commons, a traditional and formal event. Afterward, we went up to the public gallery to watch a live parliamentary session. We observed a series of questions being asked to the Secretary of State for Pensions, Liz Kendall. It was incredible to see the political process in action and witness how MPs hold the government to account.

The trip to Westminster was an unforgettable experience that brought our classroom learning to life. We gained a much deeper understanding of how the UK government operates, from the history of Westminster to the everyday work that takes place in the Houses of Parliament. The opportunity to interact with MP Joy Morrissey and see the Supreme Court and live parliamentary sessions was particularly valuable, as it allowed us to see democracy in action.