Parliament - a new approach

A small piece of Parliamentary tradition is about to disappear. Until now, visitors to Parliament have used St Stephen's Entrance - the approach to the Central Lobby of the Palace through St Stephen's Hall from St Stephen's Porch at the southern end of Westminster Hall. In a fortnight's time, everyone but passholders will be banned from entering this way.

According to a e-mail sent to Parliamentary staff and seen by Kerron Cross, the Visitor Reception Building (long awaited and at great extra expense) is finally opening for business. All visitors will now enter Parliament by going down a ramp and through a modern hut, where they will be met by "greeters" and searched. Even those meeting MPs or on other official business will be barred from entering through St Stephen's, although they will enjoy a special "business class" lane. The black huts, currently used to screen visitors, will be removed.

This is, we are told, to introduce a "more welcoming approach".

Comments

[Leon]

More welcoming? I really like the entrance as is, you get a good feel for the splendour of the building entering via it...

[Richard ROBINSON]

While we are about it, could the Parliamentary authorities not do something about the hideous concrete and steel security blocks that protect the Palace of Westminster? Surely it is not beyond their wit to "dress" them so that they are less obtrusive in what is a historic and tourist site.

[Sepoy Agent]

Yes, for visitors entering for the first time going through St Stephen's entrance, up the stairs, and through St Stephen's Hall to Central Lobby is a great part of the experience. Particularly as its history is such an important part of the experience.
Why do they have to keep changing everything.