Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Palace of Westminster: School Visits

Thursday 27 November 2025 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Peter Prinsley asked about making Parliament more accessible to children to enhance democratic engagement during a visit to a primary school.
  • Jim Shannon inquired about the higher costs faced by children from Northern Ireland due to air travel when visiting Parliament, highlighting regional equity concerns.
  • The Minister acknowledged the importance of improving access and committed to investigating the issue of transport and accommodation costs for children from Northern Ireland.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Peter Prinsley Lab Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket
Education Democracy & Elections
Context

Following a visit to Westgate community primary school, where an eight-year-old student asked about snow-related legislation. The question highlights the importance of meaningful engagement between Parliament and children.

Question

During a recent visit to Westgate community primary school in Bury St Edmunds, I was asked by an eight-year-old whether Parliament could pass a law to make it snow more often. Does my hon. Friend agree that meaningful engagement between Parliament and our children is essential to safeguard our democracy?

Answer from Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney)

My constituency gets a lot of snow, so I would advise caution when making such requests. However, improving access to Parliament is crucial for our democracy. Our education department works towards this goal, but further inquiries from the hon. Gentleman are welcome.

Answered
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Q2 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Education Northern Ireland
Context

Concern about the higher cost of travel for schools in Northern Ireland to visit Parliament due to geographical distance and transport options.

Question

Children from Northern Ireland face higher costs to visit as they have to fly instead of taking a coach or train. Although funding is available, booking flights can be uneconomical. What more can be done to ensure children from Northern Ireland have the same opportunity?

Answer from Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney)

The new education booking system is being designed with regional equity in mind. The hon. Member has raised a significant issue regarding transport access to Parliament, as well as accommodation needs. I will investigate this further and provide feedback.

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