I had an interesting day out today, a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament, along with a group of my colleagues, by Lord Rosser. We also attended Lords' Questions.
It's always interesting to be in the Palace of Westminster. I did a tour when I was in Sixth Form in 1985, I have attended a few sessions from the public gallery in the early 90s when I first moved to London, and over the years I have attended quite a few meetings in the corridor above Westminster Hall.
It's worth pointing out that despite the forbidding looking security outside, it is perfectly legitimate for members of the public to attend sessions in either chamber. Obviously it is quite difficult to get in for popular sessions, such as Prime Ministers Questions Time, or for controversial debates. But in principal, it's possible just to turn up and walk in. Indeed,more than possible, it's essential for the democratic process. Same with law courts. It is vital that their proceedings - with specific exceptions such as Family and (I think) Youth Courts - happen before the public. Again, if you want to attend a notorious trial, you'll be lucky to get in. but normal run-of-the-mill stuff. Just turn up. Not that I have ever done so.
For a political junkie, it was interesting seeing so many famous faces around the place. To some extent it was a bit of the Ghosts of Christmas Past, or Spitting Image Rides Again. Nigel Lawson arrived in the Palace just after we did. Cecil Parkinson spoke to me. Then Geoffrey Howe appeared looking a lot like a sheep in sheep's clothing. If Norman Tebbitt had also appeared, I would have felt like exclaiming "no, no, tell me it's not happening, take these Scary Men away." No sign of Herself. Rumour has it she's quite quite mad. Also lots of Labour (nobody really famous but quite a few recognisable faces) and other Tory ex-MPs from the distant and not so distant past.
But perhaps the most bizarre and scary aspect of the whole day was coming face to face with Frank Carson. I was actually behind the photographer's left shoulder when this picture was taken. Why are they smiling? It's the way I tell 'em...
