It has been a while since we have been able to host groups of constituents in Parliament but it is now possible and I am planning to organise another coach trip to Westminster in the New Year.
The trip offers local residents an opportunity to join me on a tour of Parliament and visit some areas which are not normally open to the public, including the House of Commons Chamber. Please do contact my Leek office on 01538 382421 for more details if you are interested in joining us.
I regularly visit schools across the Moorlands, but also sometimes meet groups of local schoolchildren in Westminster. The Parliamentary Education Service do a fantastic job organising visits which usually consist of a tour, workshops and if possible, a Question & Answers session with me afterwards. The best way to arrange a school tour is to contact them: http://www.parliament.uk/education/visiting-parliament/. Remember that you will need to book well in advance.
Last week, I was pleased to host a visit to Parliament for the School Council from St Anne's C.E (VC) Primary School in Brown Edge. We met in the very famous Westminster Hall, where the late Queen laid in State, and I then arranged for them to watch proceedings in the House of Commons Chamber.
The School Council then quizzed me on the different aspects of my role, including questions on tackling homelessness, the NHS and the difficult votes that MPs face on a regular basis. Having seen the Commons from the Gallery, it was great to show them around the Chamber and also take them to the House of Lords.
Being able to share the incredible place that I work in with constituents is a real treat for me and I know is incredibly memorable for all visitors.
