This week I had the privilege of attending the annual Tynwald Day celebrations on the Isle of Man, on behalf of Mr. Speaker. The Tynwald is the oldest continual parliament in the world and it is safe to say I am sure we could learn from some of their procedures and traditions.
As we processed towards Tynwald Hill I was struck by the ceremonial aspects and the commitment to direct democracy by empowering residents to bring their issues direct to the government. Petitioners could attend in person and present their concerns to the Legislative Council, the President of the Tynwald and the first minister, which then had to be considered by elected representatives at the earliest convenience.
Of course in Westminster we also have a petitions process, but it is a little more distant. Here a petition to Parliament has to pass 100,000 signatures to ensure it is debated by members. Although some of the issues were strangely familiar, with petitions presented on wind farms and vaccinations.
Back in Parliament I was delighted to meet representatives of the National Oceanography Centre who had brought a scale model of Boaty McBoatface. We also had scientists in as part of evidence week and I had the opportunity to talk to local academics about the importance of scientific research, which is so crucial at Southampton University. There was an interesting question about whether people trusted scientists, with those working in diabetes research being regarded as the mst trusted, and those working for Government close to the bottom of the list.
Talking about traditions, this weekend there is the annual Beggars Fayre in Romsey and Wallop wheels and wings which takes place at the Museum of Army Flying at Middle Wallop. That is always a great event and in previous years there have been some fascinating exhibitions about STEM subjects and trying to inspire young people to think about careers and science.
Defence has once again been high on the agenda in Parliament and I Chaired a debate on Wednesday on defence preparedness and rearmament. It is fair to say one of the highlights of the debate was listening to former minister Al Carns who has made the transition from front to back bench recently and talks with real expertise and passion on defence matters.