After a very early train from Manchester, the group of Xaverian Law and History students arrived safely into Euston.
They embarked on a whistle stop walk to Parliament taking in the sights and photo opportunities at Trafalgar Square and Buckingham palace. After a brief food stop for refreshments they arrived at the Parliament Education Centre. There they went on a guided tour around the Palace of Westminster.
The students were very excited to get to sit and watch a debate in the House of Commons, and see politicians debate the situation in Iran. Students spotted Teresa May, listened to Dominic Raab, Emily thornberry, Jeremy Hunt and Hilary Benn. After this we went to see the Great Hall where Guy Fawkes was originally sentenced as well as walking past Emily Davison’s suffragette scarf.
The group then took part in a Law and debating workshop. They came up with a controversial debate to discuss which was whether private transport should be banned. Students had to participate with rules of the house, bobbing to contribute and adding right honourable friend in response to their statements. As well as an excellent turn as speaker of the house by Sally Coogan.
After the debate, our MP Afzal Khan came along to answer brilliant questions from the students which was very insightful as he revealed what he really thought of Jeremy Corbyn, who he nominated for Labour leader and who his top 3 candidates for leadership were and why. He also answered a very topical question about knife crime and the causes and solutions.
After the busy events at Parliament the group had a brief visit to the Supreme Court and got to tour the different court rooms as well as the court where Lady Hale passed her recent decision on Johnson’s proroguation of Parliament.
The group then walked onwards to Covent Garden to have a rest and some dinner before the train home. Xaverian History Teacher, Ciara Lawrence said, “Our students were exceptional and were complimented numerous times due to their enthusiasm and great questions. We arrived back in Manchester very tired but happy with all the sights seen and experiences gained.”
