Please download a full brochure and booking form below.
The Introduction to Westminster gives delegates an insight into the workings of the UK Parliament and the duties of an MP. The programme aims to equip delegates with a comprehensive understanding of political processes by exposing them to the wealth of knowledge and experience in Parliament.
Through the combination of a tour, interactive panel sessions and talks by expert parliamentary speakers, delegates will learn how the legislative agenda is formed and the impact this has on their business or organisation. They will also have the opportunity to discuss their own insights and experiences with other representatives from similar fields, in both formal and informal settings.
The Programme
DAY ONE
- The programme begins with a guided tour of the Palace of Westminster, including visits to both the Commons and Lords. Following the first session: 'An introduction to Parliament today' there are sessions on 'The Role of an MP', 'The role of a Government Minister', and 'How Opposition Parties can help industry'. There is also a workshop session during the afternoon.
DAY TWO - Following a discussion on 'The do's and don'ts of lobbying', there will be sessions on 'The role of the Civil Service', 'The role of the House of Lords' and 'The role of Select Committees', as well as 'The relationship between Westminster, Whitehall and the EU'. The day also includes a workshop session where delegates discuss a topic with a parliamentarian and the course ends with a panel session where delegates can ask questions arising from the course to a panel of MPs.
The Speakers
The Introduction to Westminster features more than 16 expert speakers, the majority of whom are parliamentarians, working as Ministers, backbench MPs, Peers or Senior Staff.
Speakers at a recent Introduction to Westminster included:
- Sylvia Heal MP, First Deputy Chairman, Ways and Means and Deputy Speaker, House of Commons
- Derek Wyatt MP, PPS to Margaret Hodge as Minister of State, Department of Culture, Media and Sport
- Mike Gapes MP
- Rt Hon Elliot Morley MP
- Julia Kirkbride MP
- Philip Davies MP
- Bella Murfin, Defra
- Anne Begg MP
- The Lord De Mauley, Opposition Whip and Spokesperson for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform and for Cabinet Office
- Gislea Stuart MP
- Russell Brown MP
- Roger Gale MP
- Don Foster MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and Shadow Minister for the Olympics
Accommodation
Hotels within walking distance of the Houses of Parliament are:
- The Rubens (Tel: 020 7958 7730)
- The Westminster Thistle (Tel: 020 7798 9055)
- The Victoria Thistle (Tel: 020 7834 1821)
- The Royal Horse Guards (Tel: 020 7839 3400)
- The St. James' Hotel (Tel: 020 7963 8301)
