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| Eric Bush ('20) |
I first encountered this so-called “Question Time” early one summer morning years ago when I was flipping through channels. I noticed that CSPAN was airing proceedings of the British Parliament live (the UK is five hours ahead) and, out of curiosity, decided to watch it. This was the first time I had watched the House of Commons in action, and I was amazed by the intense debate, boos, and cheers–a sharp contrast to the typical order of the U.S. Congress. That morning began my ongoing fascination with Parliament, an institution that has promoted civil liberties, democracy, and accountability in government.
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| McConnell Scholars wait for entry into the House of Commons to hear Prime Minister Theresa May respond to "Question Time." |
Unsurprisingly, I was ecstatic when I found out a generous supporter of the McConnell Center had made it possible for the Oxford Society to tour the Parliament building. Though I was excited for the entire trip, I must admit that Parliament was continually on my mind. When I finally entered Westminster Hall on the morning of our tour, it was immediately apparent that I was in a special place. On our tour we walked on the floors of the House of Commons and House of Lords and through the Queen’s robing room. Our guide explained some of the fascinating traditions in Parliament, especially concerning the Queen’s annual address, and how these traditions reflect Parliament’s check on royal power.
Towards the end of the tour, our guide mentioned that the public can watch the House of Commons in session from the gallery. She also noted that it was question day with the Prime Minister (PMQs)! I immediately locked eyes with fellow scholar Jasper Noble; we knew we had to be there. As soon as our tour ended, we, along with several other Scholars, rushed to the gallery line, two hours before the House of Commons was set to meet. We were effectively on a standby list and would only be able to get into the gallery if MP’s did not use all of their allotted tickets. To our relief, we were all given tickets just ten minutes before the session began.
During Question Time, Prime Minister Theresa May debated the Government’s Brexit negotiation preparations with Opposition Leader Jeremy Corbyn. As I sat in the gallery, I thought back on the incredible debates that occurred in this room, debates that tangibly impacted the future of Western Civilization. Most of Question Time was filled with each side trying to make sound bites to advance his or her agenda on the evening news. For example, Corbyn would ask a loaded question to which May would respond with some statistic about how Labour Party governments are ineffective. Near the end of the session, other MPs were able to ask questions which tended to be more legitimate, such as asking for an update on some government initiative.
Witnessing Question Time was completely unexpected, yet it was an experience I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Further, I was able to experience this amazing event with some of my closest friends. Because of this opportunity, I will never again think of Parliament as an abstract and distant body but rather an accessible, lively, and functioning place of debate.
Eric Bush, of Louisville, Ky., is a member of the McConnell Scholar Class of 2020. He studies political science, finance and Chinese at the University of Louisville.