Cobh students get Westminster tour from MP with Cork links

A British Labour MP with Cobh connections welcomed students from Coláiste Muire in Cobh for a tour of the Houses of Parliament in London's Westminster recently.

Liam Conlon, the newly-elected Labour MP for Beckenham and Penge in south London, gave the students a tour after the school contacted the MP to ask if he could arrange a visit to the UK parliament.

Mr Conlon’s grandmother was from Cobh, having lived on Harbour View before moving to Co Down.

The tour itself was arranged by the MP's office manager, Donal Sheehan, who is from Charleville, which further strengthened the Cork ties to the visit.

Students were given a comprehensive tour led by Mr Conlon himself that included a behind-the-scenes look at the Palace of Westminster, the home of the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

Mr Conlon said that taking a group of students from Cobh on the tour was a poignant moment.

“I was born in London, but being London Irish is a big part of my identity and I’m proud to be a dual British-Irish citizen.

“Parliament wasn’t sitting on the day the school were in London. But when I heard they were from Cobh, I moved appointments so I could be there myself to show them around.

“They were a fantastic group. They asked lots of thought-provoking and interesting questions. They are a real credit to their school and great ambassadors for Cork. "

Tadhg Murphy, assistant principal from Coláiste Muire Cobh added: “The tour of Parliament was an extraordinary educational experience for our history students. It was a wonderful surprise to be shown around by an MP with a connection to Cobh. It just made the whole visit more special.

“The students truly appreciated the opportunity to see where laws are made and historic decisions taken. They won't soon forget their day in Westminster. "