Punya Goes to Parliament

One of the classes I am taking this semester is PLT 301 British Politics: Inside Parliament. It’s somewhat of a foreign subject to me, but it’s one of my more interesting classes here.

Each Monday night at 6 we go to Parliament, and each time there are speeches are given by students on a major debate topic facing UK politics. Each visit is a bit different and depending on time we will get the chance to see the House of Commons, the House of Lords, and maybe get to sit in on a committee meeting or two. Our visits to Parliament are all supervised by MP John Hayes, who is a member of the Conservative Party.

On the second visit to Parliament, which was this past Monday, it was my turn! The topic that I would be discussing would be the question of who governs, in terms on the prime minister or the cabinet. In other words it would be like asking is the president or congress governs in the U.S. The obvious answer is that you need both, but I was ready to present my argument of why the prime minister rules, or at least as ready as I could be!

I have to admit I was really nervous, I don’t think I have ever been that nervous about a speech in my entire life! I got up there and delivered my 15 minute speech and before I knew it I was done. I think the most nerve racking part of all of it was that the MP John Hayes, critiques you in front of the class, but for the most part I got positive remarks which was exciting.

I don’t have any picture inside Parliament, but as soon as I do I will be sure to share them with all of you!