On 2 November 2010, a group of students from St George's School for Girls, Edinburgh – and the School's 'inspirational' mascot George the Bear – met Prime Minister David Cameron at 10 Downing Street.
George, an invited guest of the students, had a full day in London, visiting the Houses of Parliament, 10 Downing Street and the Foreign Office.
The day started with an hour long tour of Westminster, followed by a question-and-answer session with Edinburgh West MP, Mike Crockart. Students learned about the influence of pressure groups, Liberal Democrat plans for making general elections fairer and government plans regarding tuition fees.
Following Mr Crockart’s talk, students lunched with Wajid Shamsul Hasan, the High Commissioner for Pakistan. Dining in an exquisite atrium at one of Westminster’s many dining halls allowed students to get off their feet and prepare for the afternoon.
Shortly after lunch, students found themselves in front of the world’s most famous door, 10 Downing Street. Security guards looked on as students took turns posing in front of Number 10. Once inside, students learned about some of Downing Street’s most famous guests, sat around the Cabinet table and lounged in some of Downing Street’s most stately rooms.
After the tour finished, students were awestruck as Prime Minister David Cameron met the group and marched students out to the front door for a photo. Tourists snapped photos as students from St George’s posed with the Prime Minister holding George the Bear! As students collected their belongings, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg appeared and chatted for a brief moment with the students.
A quick walk to the Foreign Office for a meeting with Mr Alistair Burt, MP, Minister for South Asia, completed the day. After learning about Mr Burt’s responsibilities students were given information about a career in diplomacy and working for the Foreign Office from a civil servant.
Throughout the day George the Bear sat and listened patiently. He somehow managed to have his photo taken at each stop along the way. Inspired by the political personalities he met and his tour of Britain’s capital George had a day he will not forget!