Luton Scouts from Icknield District joined MP Kelvin Hopkins for a tea party with the Speaker of the House of Commons last week. The local Scouts were given a tour of Parliament, before enjoying tea with their MP in the magnificent surrounding of the Speakers office. The tea party is the only entertaining hosted by the Speaker during parliamentary term time and this year he played host to over 100 Scouts from around the UK.

Chris Hulatt, an Explorer Scout from the Rover Explorer Scout Unit in Luton and Luke McLaughlin an Explorer Scout with Iceni Unit, who got the opportunity to visit the Houses of Parliament with Scout Leader Alan Wood were thrilled to be part of this special occasion. Chris said, “It was a great experience to come to London and to visit the Houses of Parliament.  Scouting is all about adventure and trying new experiences.  Today certainly reflects that!” Luke added, “I enjoyed meeting all the other Scouts from around the country and to have a chance to talk with them and the top Scout people about the challenges we face.”

MP Kevin Hopkins said, “I was delighted to meet these Scouts from Luton who are real ambassadors for the movement. I have enjoyed listening to their experiences and learning about the many activities these Scouts have been involved in. It is clear that Scouting continues to be relevant, providing young people with the opportunities to try out new adventures, from climbing Everest to trying snowboarding to working with their community. I wish them and The Scout Association the very best of luck in the future”.

Chief Scout Peter Duncan, speaking at the event, said, “I hope the parliamentarians here will agree that Scouting is creating a better world through its work with young people, and has a clear role in encouraging these ambassadors to make a positive difference to their communities and to the world”.

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