This week, I have been privileged to have the opportunity to do work experience in Huw Merriman’s constituency office, Bexhill where I learnt about the role of an MP and was able to assist Huw and his team in their work.

 I was allocated interesting and engaging tasks throughout my week including: researching current affairs, attending meetings, aiding the management of social media, and writing letters and articles regarding current campaigns in response to public demands. One research topic surrounded the importance of raising protection for our hedgehogs to save them from potential extinction, in response to many campaign emails. In order to demonstrate Huw’s shared concerns on this affair, I publicised his views through the means of an article which was published on his website, as well as through personal letters to particularly concerned constituents.

I was also lucky enough to learn about casework, gaining a thorough insight into the role of an MP. During the week, I also watched Huw chairing the Transport Select Committee meeting where I witnessed such polite etiquette, whilst hearing vital points to improve the transport services. On Friday, I attended a meeting with the Bexhill Mayor and Deputy Mayor where I was uplifted to hear the events being planned for the future of Bexhill.

Having spoken and seen Huw at work, it is clear to me that an MPs job requires constant communication and understanding for the needs of the public and I persistently saw the ambition to help the constituents in this office.

Huw and his team were extremely welcoming, and I feel that I have had a real insight into a working environment and feel inspired by everyone’s kindness and hard work here.  We are extremely privileged to have an MP and his team who work tirelessly for the good of the constituents.

The honour of working with Huw and his team: Frances, Craig, Penny, Joe and Martha, has been an experience which I am very grateful for and I will never forget. I now have much wider knowledge of the concepts of parliament and the MPs role.

Helena Permaul