Like many locals, I’ve often admired the Houses of Parliament from the outside, snapping pictures of Big Ben, marvelling at the golden details, and posing near the red telephone box. But I never imagined I’d actually set foot inside this historic seat of British democracy. Thanks to an invitation from our MP for Barking, Nesil Caliskan, a group of Thames View residents had the chance to do just that, and what a fantastic experience it turned out to be.
The sun was shining, spirits were high, and we arrived at Westminster with a mix of curiosity and excitement. We were warmly welcomed with refreshments before Nesil gave a brief but inspiring speech, sharing insights about her role, the importance of local voices, and the need to stay connected to Parliament. To our delight, she then personally led us on the tour, something that made the visit even more special.
We began in Westminster Hall, the oldest part of the building, dating back over 900 years. The space was nothing short of breathtaking. Looking up, we were mesmerised by the incredible hammer-beam oak roof, built in 1399 without nails or screws. The wooden beams, aged and vast, carried the weight of centuries of history. The gently glowing hanging lights cast a soft beauty across the hall. It truly felt like stepping back in time. Our guide told us this was the very hall where Queen Elizabeth II lay in state, and we took a moment to absorb that sense of national memory.
Then came the House of Commons, instantly recognisable with its iconic green benches. It actually looked smaller and more compact than on TV! We weren’t allowed to sit or take photos there, but we learned about the voting process,
the hanging mic system, and even where the phrase ‘It’s in the bag’ came from. Luckily, a replica green bench was provided near the end of the tour, giving us all a chance to feel like MPs for a moment. In the House of Lords, with its rich red and gold colours, we saw the monarch’s throne, where the King prepares for the State Opening of Parliament.
Israt Zame, a local resident and constituent, said of the experience, “I had the opportunity to visit the UK Parliament for the very first time, thanks to the kind invitation of our MP for Barking and Dagenham. The entire experience was truly eye-opening and unforgettable. One of the most memorable parts was learning about the Suffragette movement. The guide showed us a statue with a mark still visible on the shoe, where a Suffragette chained herself in protest. That moment was a powerful reminder of how much people have fought for the rights
many of us enjoy today.”
Saifur Rahman, another visitor, summed it up beautifully: “It was very fascinating to see how orderly and structured everything is run in this place. After the tour, we enjoyed a short walk outside to take in the views and make the most of the sunshine. The icing on the cake? We took the Uber Boat back to Barking Riverside, a scenic journey along the Thames with unforgettable views, enjoyment, and reflection.”
This wasn’t just a tour, it was an experience that connected us to our history, deepened our understanding of democracy, and reminded us that Parliament, however grand it may seem, is still a place for the people.
By Hafizur Rahman, local resident and REB member
Like many locals, I’ve often admired the Houses of Parliament...Read More
