As with many Members of Parliament I have had the opportunity to welcome a number of residents to Westminster. It is the democratic right of every UK citizen to visit Parliament to watch laws being made, committees in progress and to see and understand more about the process of Government.
A few weeks ago I was delighted to host a number of Rugby’s most prominent business people in Parliament prior to attending an industrial strategy briefing hosted by the Secretary of State for Business, the Rt Hon Vince Cable MP. Industrial strategy is a key Government priority and an essential part of the long-term economic plan which has done so much to get our economy moving again in the last five years. It is designed to work with businesses and to support them giving them confidence to invest and grow.
Last week I had a very special guest as Rugby pupil Megan Morris, winner of my annual Christmas card design competition last year, joined me with her family for a tour before a warm drink on a very cold Terrace overlooking the River Thames. Megan was a worthy winner of the competition with her excellent design and I know that she enjoyed her trip to London.
That day I also had the pleasure of hosting the 29F Rugby Air Cadets as they visited the House to learn more about how Parliament works, my job both in Westminster and in Rugby and to take a behind the scenes tour of the Palace including the Chambers of the Commons and the Lords.
Although local residents are able to book a tour of Parliament independently my office is always at hand to help make the arrangements and I will always meet with people if I am able (a little advance warning is always welcome!). I would encourage my constituents to come and use the parliamentary archives, take a tour of Parliament and climb up the clock tower to Big Ben - all of which are great ways of participating in the parliamentary process and learning about our nation's history.
You can find all the information you need online or by calling my office on 01788579499.