Blogging

I've decided to start publishing some blog posts. I've been active on Twitter for some years, but it's time to do something longer than 140 characters.

There's too much being published now that is fake news, that is trolling others, that isn't something born out by facts, or simply that represents a view I don't share. Its easy to despair in face of that onslought. I'd rather type by ha'penny worth.

I'm a liberal and proud of it. I see merit in some policies from most parties. Elections are about the art of the possible and pragmatic ways forward - starting with the wold as it is today, moving to the world envisioned in 5 years time. That is inherently imperfect. Elections require broad churches to be formed across interest groups, with all the compromises that entails. We don't have the time or the money to stop the world in order to fix everything. We must fix what matters, a bit, and move on. 

Professionally, I write normally for quite a precise technical/management audience. I don't work or write for publication. So my style may take a little while to evolve.

This also isn't a place for trolls. I reserve the right to delete offensive of irrelevant comments, or just ignore them. But those who are polite, relevant and articulate are likely to get some traction. I might be a liberal, but engaging comment from Tory, UKIP, Labour, Green or Communist - as well as Liberal - is what I'm here for. 

Visiting the UK Parliament - How to do it.

I've been lucky enough to have some time recently to visit both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Here's a few thoughts on why you might do the same, and a few tips on how to go about it.

Note: during recess, when neither House is sitting, different arrangements apply. These provide for a paid for tour of parts of the building, including the floor of the Chamber. I'm not covering that in this post.

If the Houses are sitting, you can find out whats on here:

http://www.parliament.uk/business/commons/

http://services.parliament.uk/calendar/#!/calendar/Lords/MainChamber/events.html


Firstly, why:
- although you get to see a lot of things on TV, it's edited and shots are cropped mostly. This way, you see all of the house, all of the debate.
- aside from on BBC Parliament, a lot of more routine business isn't mentioned on the news. This is actually a large part of its business, and casts a different light on how politicians behave.
- like sport, there is a different feeling from being there seeing it live. You see more, and you are almost part of it. On a big day, the change is just amazing: there is a real buzz evident around major speeches
- in you have any form of interest in UK current affairs, seeing our politicians in action on subjects you are interested in is worth doing, at least once.
- the buildings are of course interesting. Westminster Hall, Central Lobby and the House of Lords most especially.
- if you're in London on a weekday when the house is sitting, it's free. And despite a little bit of security, it's easy and not intimidating. Its easier than airports.

On most days where the house is sitting you can just turn up to get entry. You may have to queue, but its free. Get their early though.
On Wednesdays when its Prime Minister's Questions, initial entry is by ticket from your MP. Later parts of the sitting may mean you can just queue to get entry, waiting for those there for PMQs to leave.
You can also write to your MPs for ticketed access on other days, to be sure to get in. These give you access to the sides of the Chamber, still above it and part of the Strangers Gallery. Many MPs will meet you in person for this.

A suggestion on what to do is:
- arrive at around1pm Mon, Tues or Thurs. Have a pen with you.
- clear security, then have a coffee in the cafe next to Westminster Hall.
- join the queue in Westminster Hall for the Commons
- see Speakers Procession at 2:15. The queue is moved into place around 2pm.
- move to the Strangers Gallery. You need to complete an entry pass with your name and address at this stage: be ready for that.
- stay be in your seat in Commons Public Gallery until 3:30 or so, depending on what business is on
- move to the Lords if a debate is on. You'll probably get in quickly. Just walk from the Commons back down to central lobby then on to the Lords.
- walk slowly out to admire the architecture you may have missed on your way in. Photos only possible in some places, like in Westminster Hall.

What about security and price?
- its free
- on entry, you have your photo taken and go though scanners: its a bit like airports, with similar rules.
- On entry to the Commons, you must hand in any bags you carry, and any keys/phones/etc. Nothing but the Order paper may be taken into the Public Gallery.
- In the Lords, its similar but there's no screen separating you from the chamber.
- In both cases you sign a declaration - with name and address - that you'll abide by the law and rules of the chamber. ie don't throw things, make a noise or cause a nuisance.

How may people go each day?
- mostly I've see lots of tourists - since its the only way they can see the Chambers during the week.
- Lots of schoolchildren go in school groups, typically for about 10 mins. This is great - they seem thrilled by what they see.
- a reasonable number of british politically interested people are there too, the suits being the clue. Often its only about 20% or less of the total, from experience.

Can you leave when you want?
- yes. Once you've taken your seat in either chamber, you can leave when you wish.

How much can you see and hear?
- Both houses are quite small, smaller than you might expect. The chamber is only about 30m long at the height of the Strangers Gallery, its about 21m at floor level.
- There are some parts of the house almost beneath you which you can't see. On busy days that means you may not see some MPs.
- There are TV screens showing in effect BBC Parliament.
- there are speakers giving you a boost to the sound, though you can still make out the real thing too.

Is it intimidating?
- despite the security threat, I've never found it so. The stewards and police have been unfailingly polite in my experience. Sometimes they can be curt - but this is a working building, not a tourist attraction to dawdle in. I've found it to be relaxed and free flowing - in the areas the public is permitted to be in. I think this is actually brilliantly so. I've watched many tourists and school groups come through it, and do so with seeming awe at the openness and experience.
- don't let them be brusk, providing you're going to an area open to the public. Mostly they are very helpful.

Can you visit Select Committees?
- yes, but different arrangements apply. There is seating for a much smaller number of people.

The official guidance on how to visit Parliament is here:
http://www.parliament.uk/visiting/