Michael Moore MP - Member of Parliament for Berwickshire, Roxburgh & Selkirk

New scheme for local school children to visit Westminster.

Westminster launches new subsidised travel scheme for schools.

21-Apr-2009

Michael Moore is encouraging local schools to apply for a new pilot scheme which would reimburse up to 75 percent of the travel costs of a trip to Westminster. Every year Mr Moore welcomes visits from local school groups and is delighted to take them on a tour of the Palace of Westminster. However, it can be costly for schools in the Borders to pay the transport costs of a group of pupils to London and back.

In recognition of this problem, the House of Commons authorities have devised a new scheme to give pupils from across the UK the opportunity to learn how Parliament works first-hand. Borders state schools planning a visit to Westminster in the Autumn term might be eligible to receive up to £1250 towards the costs of the visit.

One of the highlights of Michael's Parliamentary week is when local school groups come to Westminster and he has the opportunity to show the pupils round and explain how the Parliamentary processes work. However, such trips can be costly to the schools, and he is therefore pleased to see Parliament recognising this problem and taking steps to address it.

Applications from local schools for the scheme can be made from 29 April 2009 for visits during the Autumn term. Visits have to be arranged through the Parliament’s education service. Further information can be found on the Parliament's website or by calling Parliament’s education service on 020 7219 3087. Schools applying for the scheme should also contact Michael Moore’s office on 01896 663 650.

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