One of the greatest privileges of being an MP is working in the Houses of Parliament, a wonderful neo-Gothic building and Grade 1 Listed World Heritage Site.
Some parts of the building date from as far back as the 1100s, while the iconic Big Ben and the famous exterior of the building dates from the 1850s, following extensive rebuilding after the fire of 1834.
Working in these famous old buildings – with paintings and statues of illustrious Parliamentarians of years past everywhere – is a constant reminder of the duty and responsibility that MPs have, and the weight of history in British politics.
You may have read in the press that the buildings, particularly the older parts of the Palace of Westminster, are in urgent need of extensive renovation. With electrical wiring and plumbing some 70 years old, it is possible this old building may have to be vacated for several years, so that extensive repairs can be carried out to preserve this important and historic building for the nation.
Before that happens, I am trying to take as many of my constituents as possible who are interested in visiting to see and experience the Parliament building, arranging coach tours for groups of constituents to come to London for a free tour.
Last week, I arranged the first of these big group tours – and more than fifty Northampton North residents were delighted to see the Palace, Westminster Hall, the House of Commons and the House of Lords, The Queen’s Robing Room and the Royal Gallery, besides a number of other parts of the Parliamentary estate.
Over the coming years, I will arrange as many of these coach tours as I can, and three more coach-loads are already fully booked! Look out for a letter from me inviting residents in your area to apply for a ticket. The only cost to visitors is that of the coach and the visit is arranged at cost price.