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Posted on February 22nd 2016
Ryan's Parliamentary Speech!
I was asked to perform a speech for Sir Jack Petchey CBE, and I was absolutely honoured to be given any opportunity to address a knight and esteemed guests such as the Rt. Hon Kate Green MP OBE, who covered for the Rt. Hon Baroness Oona King who unfortunately couldn't attend. So, on the way to Victoria I was continually practising my speech as I didn't want to make any mistakes when it was time to perform it!
After arriving at Westminster and eventually at the Houses of Parliament, or Palace of Westminster, my mother left me and I went to be screened by security. As expected, the security at the Houses of Parliament were very strict, in fact the rigorousness of the checks were very similar to that of an airport - like Heathrow - it took about 10-15 minutes for my belongings to be scanned and for me to be checked.
Once I made it past security I met the CEO of the Speaker's Trust Julie Holness and Programme Organiser Becky Griffiths, who both met me in Westminster Hall. Once everyone had arrived we were taken to the Jubilee Room which was marvellously warm, at least it was better than the C11th hall!
From there I made my speech to everyone and I was very nervous before I spoke... However I soon forgot about who was there and the venue, which made it a lot more comfortable to talk to everybody in the room.
Soon after the speech and light refreshments, it was time to start the tour! We began where we entered, in Westminster Hall and were greeted by a more than loquacious tour guide who had encyclopaedic knowledge that dated back 900 years ago. He explained everything from the fresco artwork to the statues of Margaret Thatcher and Winston Churchill etc.
I was lucky enough to be able to see the House of Lords and the House of Commons, which both startlingly contrasted.
I look forward to returning to the Houses of Parliament as, for some reason, I felt very comfortable there, more so in the House of Lords! Maybe next time I go I'll be watching PMQs from the public gallery above the House of Commons!
Please follow this link to hear my speech:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=vQuw4juh6KA
