Discovering Democracy: A Day in the Public Gallery of the House of Commons
On a beautiful winter morning in London, the House of Commons attracts a small but engaged crowd of visitors who opt to watch MPs in session instead of exploring the city’s many festive attractions. Choices for engagement range from spontaneous visits to pre-planned tours, as seen with Taiwanese student Yinwen Yeh and her mother Karen Fan, who ended up in the public gallery due to a diary mix-up. This gallery, which does not require prior booking, provides a unique vantage point to experience parliamentary proceedings after the traditional Speaker’s Procession.
Yinwen expresses her surprise at the ceremonial atmosphere, feeling it posits MPs at an aristocratic level. Inside the gallery, an array of topics are discussed during the questions to ministers, covering issues like Brexit and employment rights. After their hour-long visit, Yinwen and Karen compare the political tensions of the UK with those in Taiwan, pointing out the general amicability of UK politics, particularly in contrast to Taiwan’s reputation for physical confrontations in parliament.
Next, Alize Zobairi and her mother, Zarmeen Noor, observe the session on Business Questions, captivated by the connection MPs seem to have with their constituents. Alize appreciates how MPs’ surgeries allow individuals to discuss personal issues, contrasting their experiences with Dubai, suggesting that problems are addressed swiftly via customer helplines there.
Renton Fewster, a dairy farm worker, and NHS apprentice Libby Robinson, stumble upon Parliament while exploring London, feeling slightly out of place amidst the historic grandeur. They favor the more relaxed atmosphere of the House of Lords over the Commons, emphasizing a contrast in decorum.
As the day progresses, Pruthvirajsinh Zala, a student from India, reflects on his previous visit during the heated Brexit debates, noting that the ambiance today includes lighter discussions like those surrounding St Andrew’s Day. He finds the Parliament building awe-inspiring, appreciating its grandeur — something he describes as having the X-factor. A particular painting prompts him to evaluate colonialism and the importance of remembering historical injustices, advocating for the preservation of the past in collective memory.
Finally, as he and engineer Tom Bell remark on the significance of experiencing Parliament in person versus digitally, they express the importance of engagement and the emotional connections that live attendance fosters. The day winds down with a debate that leads many to exit, leaving the gallery quiet after having hosted about 400 to 600 visitors throughout the day, revealing that even quieter Thursdays in Parliament offer a unique glimpse into British democracy.