On the 13^th January 2010 supporters of the Independent Network and members of the public attended an informative talk on the work of the UK Parliament.

The event was organised in partnership with Parliamentary Outreach which offers free parliamentary training to organisations wanting to know more about the UK Parliament and how they can get involved with the work of the House of Commons and House of Lords. The IN gives its gratitude and thanks to Parliamentary Outreach for providing this excellent free service.

Alasdair MacKenzie from Parliamentary Outreach gave the informal talk. Topics covered in the talk included Early Day Motions (EDMs), Committees, Private and Public Bills, Government and the Composition of Parliament. He also discussed the function of current Independent MPs in Parliament and the possibility of a hung parliament in the next election. The talk was informative and entertaining. The feeling from the group after the talk was really positive.

An attendee of the event, Denny De La Haye says, “The event was really interesting; I'd like to thank IN for organising it, and strongly thank Alasdair from Parliamentary Outreach - who I thought did an excellent job. I learned quite a bit, and even going over the bits I already knew was useful.”

The event was well attended and the wintery weather did not appear to put many attendees off. There was a real sense of atmosphere about Westminster Hall, the oldest part of Parliament, where all nineteen attendees gathered. Some had only met for the first time and there was an incredibly supportive aura, which continued into the conference room.

As we walked the halls and climbed the stairs of Parliament, you couldn’t help but notice the history. From the rich tapestries which adorn the walls to the busts which line the stairs, the feeling of legacy was never stronger. The iconic busts of Gladstone and Disraeli locked in an eternal staring contest at the top of the second flight of stairs seemed so fitting.

After leaving Parliament, we arrived at The Red Lion pub. We moved to the quaint downstairs room, decorated in royal red and bathed in the luminescent glow of electric light, to talk about the meeting and share experience and stories. It helped many in the group gain a greater understanding of each other and the pressures they faced in the run up to their election.

Parliamentary Outreach offers their services free of charge to anyone who wants learn more about Parliament. They are currently offering free training sessions in Yorkshire and Humber this April and May to demonstrate Parliament's historical relevance to their area.

If you have any further questions about Parliament and how you can get involved contact Parliamentary Outreach by phone: 020 7219 6664 or email: parliamentaryoutreach@parliament.uk