Working with Mr. Anas Abbas, I was able to engage in a variety of activities that made my time in Parliament a tremendous learning experience. For instance, I was able to analyze and answer many of the emails MP Sarwar received from constituents or interest groups.  These dealt with issues ranging from the treatment of circus animals to the proposed cuts in welfare spending. This afforded me a privileged insight into the varying factors that influence a representative’s decision-making and into the relationships between political representatives and their constituents. Simply put, the experience allowed me to grasp the concept of democracy with more depth.

Inevitably, my time in Parliament also stimulated my interest in British politics.  Whether through reading or experiential learning, I became familiar with the British political landscape in addition to the details that inform parliamentary business. Through MP Sarwar,I also came in contact with an interest group: the Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East. With Yazan Al-Shihabi, I attended one of their fundraising dinners, during which I was lucky to converse with two other Members of Parliament about both British and Middle Eastern politics.

Finally, when I had spare time during the day, Mr. Abbas was happy to let me attend parliamentary meetings open to the public. Thus, I attended several ‘Committee Meetings,’ in which parliamentarians discuss specific issues. Notably, however, I attended a session of ‘Foreign and Commonwealth Office’ questions in the chamber of the House of Commons, in which Members of Parliament question and scrutinize the work of the Foreign Secretary.
Again, I would like to thank LoYAC for this wonderful opportunity – one that I will fondly look back to for years to come.