tour of the house of commons and house of lords in london

[bubbles4920]

my hubby really wants to visit the house of commons and house of lords,ie a guided tour. i looked it up on the net but im sure it said that it has to be arranged through your local mp. surely this cant be right can it???!!

[kempie]

It is right and proper that a you visit a place of work by invitation.

While Parliament is in session tours are free to UK residents but a place must be arranged through your MP or a Lord.

During the Summer Opening, UK residents and overseas visitors can buy tickets to tour Parliament. It is arranged during the summer recess, when Parliament does not sit and Members work away from Westminster. UK residents may organise a free tour through their MP while the Summer Opening is happening, but times are restricted to certain mornings, due to the extra volume of visitors.

http://www.parliament.uk/about/visiting/uk.cfm

[bongerman]

As the link above shows you - you only need the invite from your MP if you wish to see PM's Question time, which is probably the best event in the house.

At other times though just turn up and queue...

I went once a few years' back and there were about 10 MP's in the house debating away. The only one I recognosed was Seb Coe.

[kempie]

As the link above shows you - you only need the "invite" i.e. a ticket from your MP if you wish a guided tour of Parliament while in session, or if you wish a tour of the Clock Tower.

Technically, you do not need a ticket to see PM's Question Time, although you take a chance by not having one. UK residents who queue without tickets will only gain entrance if there is space after ticket-holders.