I visited my friend from school days, Tom, at the House of Commons last night. The mass lobby of MPs on the trade justice issue had taken place. Sadly, many of those who came to lobby had failed to make an appointment to see their MP, and so had to wait in the rain.
The parliament buildings are truly magnificent. Waiting in the central lobby, I was very conscious of the history and traditions of the place. Anne Widdecombe was being formidable a few feet away. It was exciting to be there, as David Blunkett had resigned and the government narrowly won a vote on the anti-terrorism legislation.
After some drinks in the Strangers Bar (Margaret Becket was sitting next of me), Tom treated me to dinner in the Strangers Restaurant. Poached egg and bacon salad, fish and chips with mushy peas, followed by apple pie and custard, and a fine rioja.
We then returned to the bar, where I was able to lobby several MPs (including a government whip who plays in a band called MP4), not only on trade justice but also on the Religious Hatred Bill, which some fear might restrict Christians from preaching the gospel. Several of them promised to bail me out if I ever get arrested! I'm still not convinced by their arguments.
An interesting evening, only marred by the vote that was due last night being delayed.
I was one of the fools waiting in the rain. There were actually quite a few MPs being spoken to outside though.
Well done for lobbying in any case.
Posted by: Dave Walker | 03 November 2005 at 09:44 AM
I thought of this I think it could be about politicians -
If I were a cat
I would be kind to mice
thinks the mouse
Posted by: jimmy | 04 November 2005 at 08:58 PM
I get this picture of you walking straight to the front of the line past all these bedraggled and sopping wet protestors. :)
Posted by: Beat Attitude | 05 November 2005 at 01:28 PM