This article is from the August issue of Total Politics
Friends and associates outside of Westminster know better than to complain about their workplace within my earshot. Those who do should always expect a sickly-sweet “there-there”, followed by a sarcastic hug and thumbs-up. Actually, now that I think about it, it's a wonder I have any friends left...
I just can't have someone moaning about the sandwich lady in their building because she held up a lift or blocked an entrance, without putting it into perspective. When you work on an estate where the President of the United States comes to visit, your standards of inconvenience are of a certain level. I'll not complain about Her Majesty's visits, though – it is her gaff, after all. However, coming into work with a suitcase on the same day as any high-security visit is a mistake I shall never make again. If anyone is going to drop my underwear on the floor of the Portcullis House tunnel, then it's going to be me.
But it's not just world leaders and the occasional pope who stop by for afternoon tea and a heavy splash of patriarchal lecturing. No, stars of screen and sport all skip their merry way to events and gatherings in Parliament. Some do it to raise money, some for research – and others because they've been invited by a select committee, the poor darlings.
Going by the ticket prices for events in Westminster Hall or on the House of Commons Terrace, as well as efforts to open up certain no-go areas to mere mortal staffers (again, for a price), it's clear that the House wants to make more money. I say go further: let fast-food chains bid for a location on the estate, or even use product placement during live debates – Prime Minister's Questions, sponsored by Tesco Politics…
Comments
Be the first to comment on this article!