Our Lady Queen of Peace Primary School in Penshaw recently took a large party of primary school children to visit the Houses of Parliament. As well as visiting Parliament, the pupils also visited No. 10 Downing Street. Local MP Bridget Phillipson supported efforts to organise the visit.

Commenting after the visit, Bridget Phillipson MP said:

“During one of my visits to the school I chaired a debate with the children in order to give them a greater awareness of the democratic process and an insight into how Parliament works. I saw how informed and animated the children were when putting forward their point of view and I was very pleased when the Head Teacher contacted me for advice on arranging a tour of Parliament for the children.

“I am delighted that the trip was a success and I shall be visiting the school again this year to thank the staff and pupils for making the long journey down to London. I am also looking forward to hearing from the children first-hand what they thought of Parliament and I know from my previous visits to the school that the children will have plenty of questions for me.”

Barbara Reilly O’Donnell, Head Teacher of Our Lady Queen of Peace RC Primary School in Penshaw said:

“It was a privilege to take our children to Parliament, to see at first hand our national seat of democracy. The children had the opportunity to see how laws are made and by visiting both the House of Lords and House of Commons they could see how opinions can be pursued and shared. This, along with debating opportunities in school, has reinforced the message that everyone has a voice that should be heard. Some children said they felt that they now would like to follow in Bridget’s footsteps and be an MP and many children now recognise that they can use their talents to strive for equality, justice and fairness. Our remarkable day was completed by a visit to Downing Street where Katie got the chance to knock on the big, black door!”