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Visit to Whitehall and Parliament (February 2010)
![Welbeck Defence Sixth Form College (DSFC)](javascript:PopupPic("/military/images/desgmod1.jpg");)
On the 10th February 19 L6 students (18 of whom were DESG students), accompanied by Mr Crookes and Mr Carmichael, travelled to London to visit the Ministry of Defence and to learn about the role the Civil Service plays within it. We also took the opportunity to visit the Houses of Parliament and learn more about the Parliamentary System.
After a very early breakfast everyone boarded a coach bound for the Capital, and the three hour journey enabled us to catch up on some much needed sleep! Feeling sufficiently recharged we arrived at MOD Main Building eager for the day ahead. We met up with Mr Andy Gillman (Director of the MOD’s Education Outreach Programme, a strong advocate of the DESG Scheme and a regular visitor to College), at South Door of Main Building. Mr Gillman had kindly organised our day and escorted us throughout the trip.
After some security checks we met two graduates from the DESG Scheme, Lucy Beeson and Edward Hall plus Mr Tim Berriman (DESG Training Manager). We headed for King Henry VIII's wine cellar which is situated below the building - one of only 3 surviving artefacts of the old Palace of Whitehall following its destruction by fire in 1698.
![Welbeck Defence Sixth Form College (DSFC)](javascript:PopupPic("/military/images/desgmod2.jpg");)
We then headed upstairs where we were given presentations by the afore-mentioned DESG graduates on what life was like on the graduate scheme and what we can expect in the near future. Both of these were highly informative and interesting and everyone gained a great insight into what the future has in store for them. Personally I was amazed by the number of opportunities and the responsibility we are given in choosing how we develop our careers - the sky literally is the limit!
Then, as a 'first' for Welbeck students, we were given a tour around the Ministerial Zone in Main Building where we saw the offices of all the most important military and civilian officers including the Chief of the Defence Staff (Air Chief Marshall Sir Jock Stirrup) and the First Sea Lord (Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope). We were also able to visit the Minister for the Veterans, Kevan Jones MP, and sit at his conference table while he was in Parliament along with Bob Ainsworth who was about to deliver a speech in the Commons on the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. Mr Jones’ secretary gave us a fascinating insight into his extremely hectic daily schedule.
After an excellent lunch in the MOD Canteen (more of a restaurant), we walked across to Parliament (via the very impressive Battle of Britain Memorial sculpture) where we were subjected to more rigorous security checks. We split into two groups and, with tour guides, went round the House of Lords and the House of Commons learning about the structure, roles and importance of the Ministers, Lords and MPs etc and how issues that the public have brought up (bills) will be discussed and voted on within the two Houses. We were then lucky enough to witness some decisions being made in the Lords and the Commons.
![Welbeck Defence Sixth Form College (DSFC)](javascript:PopupPic("/military/images/desgmod3.jpg");)
We then re-grouped to engage in a workshop which focussed on how to get our voices heard within the political system. We played an electronic voting game and then did some role-play where we chose an issue we would like to raise (eg subsidised transport costs should be available up to the age of 18) and tried to persuade the public and the Ministers. This was followed by a visit from the Rt Hon Stephen Dorrell, MP for Charnwood. We had a chance to ask him anything we wanted before the Division bell rang and he had 8 minutes to get back to a debate which was being put to the vote.
There is no doubt that the day left everyone buzzing, and our enthusiasm for our DESG careers was boosted even further by everything we had seen and heard. We had been given a wonderful opportunity to visit the heart of the Ministry of Defence and a great time was had by all. Special thanks must go to Mr Gillman, the VPP (Mr Crookes), Mr Carmichael, Tim Berriman, Lucy Beeson and Edward Hall.
Andrew Pyatt, Stirling 09E
Georgina Jones, Stirling 09E
