Visitng Palace of Westminister

Dear All,

Yesterday (08/11/2006), I visited The Palace of Westminster, also known as the Houses of Parliament or Westminster Palace, in London, England. The Palace lies on the north bank of the River Thames in the London borough of the City of Westminster close by other government buildings in Whitehall.

The reason I was visiting the House of Parliament for Prime Ministers Question Hour. By unofficial law, in the United Kingdom where every Wednesday when the House of Commons is sitting, the Prime Minister spends half an hour answering questions from Members of Parliament. Unfortunately because of State Opening of Parliament for the 2006-07 , the parliament session was cancelled and it will be on 15 th November with the speech of her majesty queen.

I was able to get the pass through ticket office and proceed to my journey. I went to House of Common and then Public Gallery. I was accomplished by the staff for further information what exactly happening in the Houses of Parliament. I saw Govt Ministers along with opposition leader from the Gallery. Ex foreign minister (Mr. Jack Straw) and Educational minister and other leaders holding positions in UK Govt.

I have personally met Lord Swaraj Paul (a member of the House of Lords and He was knighted by the Queen in 1978) and had a good hand shake. I asked him about his day and good chat. It was great experience to learn and catch all the necessary experience to use in my career. I visited the House of Commons Where The Indian Independence Act 1947 was the legislation passed by the British Parliament that officially approved the independence of India and the partition of India.

On my way home I visited Westminster hall, the oldest existing part of the Palace of Westminster, was erected in 1097. Westminster Hall has also been used for lyings-in-state during state funerals and ceremonial funerals for example Sir Winston Churchill (1965), the most recent lying-in-state was that of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother in 2002. This hall also been used for Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee (1977) and Golden Jubilee (2002).

It was great experience which every India should feel and experience in their life. I was inside the parliament for one and half hour. I have realised when you come across strong things, your mind, body, soul also become strong. Westminster is the place where you will feel “POWER” which ruled the world for many centuries.

If you have comments please send me.

Regards,

M Bhor