It’s Grand and Green but What Does it All Mean –
Local MP explains the House of Commons

07.11.06

Local MP Edward Davey attended a politics class at Wimbledon College last week to explain the intricate workings of the House of Commons.

Edward Davey, Liberal Democrat MP for Kingston and Surbiton, gave the politics students a first hand description of life in the Commons.  From Prime Ministers Questions to the legislative procedures, whilst explaining some of the quirky phrases of the House, such as catching the speaker’s eye (this is when an MP stands during a debate in the hope, the speaker will call on that MP to speak next).

Edward Davey MP said,

“It is far too easy for the House of Commons to be portrayed as a green grand chamber full of old men, which really isn’t that important.  This imagery is perpetuated by Prime Ministers Questions which is meant to be how the opposition parties hold the Prime Minister to account yet descends into a Punch and Judy show.”

“That is why I feel it is important that we speak to young students about the actually workings of the House of Commons.  The various stages of a Bill on a page can come across as mundane yet that is when the real issues are able to be debated.”

“Hopefully today when talking to Wimbledon College politics class I was able to convey not only that politics isn’t boring but the only way to change the image of politics is for more young people to get involved.”