Our Year 12 Politics students thoroughly enjoyed their trip to London, where they visited the Houses of Parliament and the Supreme Court.

 

The day began with a guided tour of Parliament. They visited the Chapel of St Mary Undercroft, where students were able to step inside the cupboard in which suffragette Emily Wilding Davison famously hid after secretly entering Parliament. The group was then guided through the corridors and historic halls of Westminster by Connor Rand, MP for Altrincham and Sale West, before entering the House of Lords Chamber. Students were fascinated to see the Woolsack, the seat of the Lord Speaker, and admire the lavish decorations of the chamber up close.

 

Following the tour, students met with Connor Rand and The Sun journalist, and former Wellington student, Tom Scotson, in a select committee room. Both speakers discussed their careers and offered valuable insights into pathways into politics and journalism. Students then had the opportunity to ask questions, impressing both with their thoughtful, and probing contributions. Hannah Arthur questioned Rand about the future direction of the Labour government, while Jasper Welton explored issues surrounding local government and the extent of editorial independence afforded to journalists working for The Sun under Rupert Murdoch’s proprietorship.

 

The action-packed day concluded with a visit to the Supreme Court, where students toured all three courtrooms and impressed the guide with their knowledge of the judiciary and the role of the UK’s highest court. Before catching the train home from Euston Station, the group also walked past Downing Street and along the offices of Whitehall.