During my week of Work Experience with the Dr Kieran Mullan and his Westminster and Bexhill teams I have learnt and great deal about the work of an MP including what goes on behind the scenes in both the Bexhill Constituency and Westminster.
One of the many enjoyable experiences of Parliamentary Work experience is the opportunity to take part in drafting policy responses from constituents regarding both constituency and legislative policies such as the Crime and Policing Bill and the Assisted dying Bill. This was an insightful experience in seeing what day-to-day work for an MP and their team is like and taught me a lot about the experience that you can have when taking part in this.
Work experience also gives you the opportunity to watch the exciting Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs). This is an excellent opportunity for those who prefer to see the more engaging side of politics and witness the expert scrutiny that takes places weekly in the House of Commons. PMQs also lets you see how the political process works to ensure sufficient accountability of the Government.
My experience with Dr Kieran Mullan and his teams was enjoyable and insightful. It gave me the chance to ask many questions directly to Dr Kieran Mullan about the workings of Parliament, MPs, and the detailed work of the opposition. Dr Mullan’s team were also helpful in answering any questions I had about the work of an MP, such as the roles and responsibilities of a team in assisting an MP to effectively represent their constituencies and serving as Shadow Justice Minister.
Having the opportunity to spend time in Westminster also gives you the opportunity to spend time not only working in the office of an MP but allows you to experience the history and importance of Parliament and the Palace of Westminster. One of the many great opportunities was a tour of the Palace of Westminster. Seeing such areas as the House of Commons and House of Lords, but also areas such as the 1922 Committee Room where detailed line-by-line scrutiny takes place; and where Conservative Backbenchers hold meetings to represent the Conservative Party and Conservative Members of Parliament.
Overall, my time taking part in the work experience of an MP’s office and in Westminster was enriching and insightful. It gave me the opportunity to witness in person to several important legislative debates on laws and bills that were making their way through the legislative process. The most notable being the Assisted Dying Bill and the Crime and Policing Bill. Work experience also taught me valuable skills such as collaboration, research, and problem solving. Especially useful for complex case work.