Perry goes to Parliament

I’ve seen Westminster from the outside countless times throughout my lifetime on visits to London, and each and every time I am overwhelmed by the iconic stone walled exterior looming over the Thames and Big Ben soaring high above the buildings with its characteristic and lovable chime. But I’ve always wondered what was to be found on the inside, and in my twenty-two years thus far, I had never experienced what lied within… until last night.

As the current intern at the Royal Society of Biology I was invited to help out at the Biology Week Parliament Reception, which I jumped at the chance to help at (although at first I half suspected I might be serving the canapés).



After making it through security; which I found to be more rigorous than any airport I’ve been through (I got a VERY thorough pat-down from an over-enthusiastic guard), collecting my belongings that thankfully did not alert security (I was slightly worried about my safety pins - an undeniable weapon if it should fall into the wrong hands) and obtaining my pass, I was finally inside Parliament.

Like any tourist, although minus the i-pad and selfie stick, I excitedly snapped away on my camera and likened the interior to Hogwarts innumerable times.

Armed with the large unwieldy packages I had been entrusted with carrying, I weaved my way through numerous colourful corridors and grand stone hallways; passing lots of suited and booted individuals as well as police with terrifyingly large guns, managed not to get lost, where upon I finally arrived at the Churchill Room, the location for the evening’s event (and wondering slightly how I would ever find my way back out).

This year’s Biology Week Parliament Reception, held by the Royal Society of Biology in partnership with the BBSRC, was a huge success, with a packed room at the House of Commons. The annual celebration brings together Ministers, MPs, RSB Fellows and representatives from member organisations, all under one roof to keep biosciences at the forefront of the UK.

The night was hosted by prominent MPs Stephen Metcalfe and Chi Onwurah, with a series of warm welcomes and speeches regarding science’s ‘unique’ role in the UK.

Nicola Blackwood, MP and chair of the Science & Technology Select Committee, took to the (rather tiny) stage to say a few words regarding the success of science in the UK stating: “The UK is a science superpower.” She stressed the importance of investing in research, and emphasised her wish for the impending spending cuts to not drastically impact on UK science and her determination to not let science fall off the agenda. This was met with murmurs of support from around the room!

Attendees were provided with a ballot slip from which to cast their vote for their favourite insect. The ballot was based on the Royal Society of Biology’s UK Top Insect poll, launched in August earlier this year, which called for the public to choose their favourite insect from a selection of creepy crawlies, in order to crown one as victor. Of the 191 votes cast, 64 went to the Buff-tailed Bumblebee, a winning majority that sealed this ‘Queen Bee’s’ victory, which was met with rapturous applause.

As the bumblebee representative, and with cries of “Speech, Speech!” from the audience, I hopped onto to podium and grabbed the mic with the slight apprehension yet unfaltering buzz of confidence that only two complimentary glasses of white wine can provide, and attempted to deliver an impassioned speech about my beloved bee.

Looking at the photos from last night, I am slightly distressed at my open-palmed hand gesturing, typical of former Lib Dem MP Nick Clegg, that I didn’t even realise I was doing. But overall, my first (and probably last) speech in Parliament seemed to be a hit, and whilst I didn’t pass a legislative act or change the world, I am still pretty proud.

Admittedly, I am not the most clued up individual when it comes to politics, regularly mixing up my left and right wings (shameful I know), and I am ashamed to say I am yet to use my vote (despite reminders of what women went through in order to obtain it). Hence initially I was more than a little nervous to be confronted with a room full of politicians, fuelled by a lot of wine and endless canapés.

However, I came away from the evening feeling inspired. Would I consider a future in politics? Certainly not… however I am far more motivated to seek out information, to educate myself in the world of politics and to make my vote count in the next election.