My parliamentary internship in the office of Louise Ellman MP was an excellent way to intimately observe and be a part of the UK political system. Some of my assigned tasks such as replying to constituent letters and arranging my MPs schedule were a bit mundane, but represented a small cost to pay for my hands-on, all-access political experience. I was at times also assigned to quite rewarding tasks such as doing research for my MP's speeches and policy concerns, writing a report to her constituency, and helping to arrange a press conference, petition, and protest on behalf of one of her constituents. Overall, the parliamentary internship was a great way to investigate the UK political system. Observing the day-to-day functions of parliament, proceedings in the House of Commons, and Gordon Brown give a speech on the global financial crisis first-hand alone were worth all the time and effort. The highlight of my time here perhaps might have been going to Wales to campaign for local Labour candidates (even including some excursions to Welsh pubs - strictly to earn some extra votes of course).
- Matt Horowitz '10, GIL 2008 Intern
