While this week there are no debates or question-times in the Commons chamber that is only one aspect of an MPs role. This week I am looking forward to constituency surgeries and other events in and around Horsham and on Monday, like many MPs I was in Westminster catching up on correspondence after what has been an intense period.
With the Commons “in recess” the whole mood of the place switches down a gear and discussions between parties (which are always, generally, cordial) become more relaxed. I hope that the week’s breathing space, and Easter, will enable all MPs to reflect before we re-engage when the House returns on Tuesday.
One of the pleasures of being in the House was showing a large group from the University of the Third Age around Parliament. There are over 1,000 branches of the U3A across the U.K. with over 425,000 members. It is a volunteer based organisation for the retired or semi-retired which aims to share educational and creative skills and knowledge between its members. It was a pleasure to meet its Horsham branch.
Tours starts in Westminster Hall. There has been a Hall on the site since Edward the Confessor based himself their to keep an eye on the builders constructing his labour of love – Westminster Abbey. It was in a later Hall that the first Parliament assembled (including, I am delighted to say, an MP for Horsham!)
The current Hall was constructed in the 1390s. The glorious roof (the largest unsupported wooden roof in Europe) was built using oaks from Farnham, planted before the Norman Conquest. Twice when the Palace of Westminster was in flames (in the 1830s and the Blitz) Londoners rushed to save this architectural gem.
I was thinking of this when I saw the tragic news of Notre Damme. These extraordinary buildings are more than just edifices. They represent the heart of a community – in the case of Notre Damme a nation.
England and France have had a relationship of mutual respect but with highs and lows right back to King Edward. This Eastertide I am sure not only those attending services but many others will thinking of Paris’ loss and hoping that something magnificent can yet arise from the ashes.
Photo Credit: Jeremy Quin met the Horsham Branch of the University of the Third Age in Westminster Monday as part of their tour of Parliament.