SCOUTS went out and about in Westminster after being invited to the Houses of Parliament by Tatton MP George Osborne.

And they were prepared for some hot political debate when they took up their seats in the visitors’ gallery at the House of Commons to watch democracy in action.

Mr Osborne took a break from his busy schedule to take the Alderley Edge Explorers and a group from Wilmslow Sixth on a guided tour.

Scout Tom Ecclestone of the Explorers said: "After having an exciting tour of both houses and learning a little about how Parliament works, we were delighted that George rushed from a meeting with David Cameron to keep his appointment with us.

"He invited us to his office and we were able to learn a little about an MP’s day and George was able to learn a little about Scouting’s Kids Outdoors Campaign."

In the afternoon they sat in the gallery of the House of Commons and were spellbound.

Unit helper Elaine Strother said: "Despite being given several opportunities to leave, the Explorers sat tight, engrossed in what was going on for the whole afternoon. I was amazed and thought they would have had enough after half an hour, but they just kept saying they wanted to stay."

Debates covered GCSE and key stage exams, bullying in schools, lack of science and particularly Physics teachers, energy and food security. Scouts watched Alan Johnson make a statement on 60 years of the National Health Service and they had the rare opportunity to watch the new MP for Henley being sworn in.

They even spotted Prime Minister Gordon Brown slip into the chamber to take his seat. Mr Osborne invited the unit after seeing them in the crowd attending a recent public meeting in Alderley Edge about the village plan.

Tom said: "We went along because we are all concerned about the environment and the impact of the amount of building development and loss of open space in Alderley Edge. As a result Mr Osborne invited the group. The explorers found the trip really worthwhile and exciting and were surprised at how interesting sitting listening to the House of Commons going about its business was."

If you want to find out more about the Scouts Kids Outdoors campaign visit www.kidsousstdoors.com


* ALSO scouting around Westminster were Sixth Wilmslow. The group joined Mr Osborne who was delighted to welcome them for a chat about politics.