UK Parliament-Question time
 

Has anyone gotten into Prime Minister's question time at noon on Wednesday's. I went on their website but it isn't too clear to me how a U.S. citizen can get into question time. We've already tour the building during its recess.

Citizenship has nothing to do with admission to the public gallery, which is what you want.

A UK resident can get tickets for the gallery by writing to his or her MP. An MP is responsible for representing the interests of ALL his constituents, of any nationality (actually, representing his non-British constituents is typically the single most time-consuming task for most MPs, but I digress.) These tickets let you in at 1130 on Wednesdays.

Non-residents need to ask their country's embassy or High Commission in London for tickets, though these don't necessarily guarantee admission before PMQs.

If you can't get a ticket, you have to queue outside. You'll certainly get in - but probably only in time to watch the third reading of the Procedures Enabling (East Grinstead) Bill.

Sadly, PMQs have become box office, and Parliament has limited gallery space. Oddly, the system discriminates spectacularly against UK citizens who don't live in the UK. They have no way of getting tickets,

My sister and I did this when we were in London in June 2005. You just need to call or email your embassy in London and request a visitor pass, then pick it up when you're in London. They only have a limited number, but hopefully you will get one. Good luck! Question time was a great experience - it's so exciting to see the PM and you get swept up in the atmosphere and history of the place.

What would really be fun would be Presidents's Question Time.
I wonder how George Bush would cope.

ttt

Thanks for the information. I have gone to the American Embassy in London website and cannot find an e=mail address. The telephone number given seems to be a 24 hour recorded message. I could write them-would that be the best way?

Hmm, it's funny they don't have someone to answer the phone, but I just checked the US embassy website and got this info - I guess you've seen it too? It sounds like they do want you to just leave a message on the phone and they'll get back to you. All the best!

"To request a card of introduction from the Embassy please telephone (44) (0)20-7894 0217 giving the names of all persons on whose behalf you are applying, the date or dates you would like to attend Parliament and a daytime telephone number."