Tag Archives: UK Parliament week

“Democracy in action” in Welwyn Garden City

By Michal Siewniak | Mon 21st November 2022 - 9:28 am

Frustrated. Bored. Tired. Disengaged. I wondered quite a bit whether being involved in the Parliament Week, for the 9th year running, made any sense. As a Cllr, I’ve had countless conversations with residents about the UK Parliament and it is and was clear that many people still feel disillusioned and angry with the way our democratic institution works, but more importantly with the conduct and behaviour of some of our MP’s and “Parliamentarian chaos” of the last 2-3 years.

However, after a bit of “intellectual effort”, I managed to convince myself that every step and every simple initiative can help to restore our faith in democracy. Every moment or conversation, even in passing, can bring back at least some political hope for us and people in our communities up and down the country.

Posted in Op-eds | Also tagged democracy | 1 Comment

UK Parliament Week and the Polish Saturday School in Welwyn Garden City

By Michal Siewniak | Mon 8th November 2021 - 11:32 am

I did wonder whether I should bother
I did wonder, whether inspiring young people to learn and find out more about the role of the Parliament, makes sense
I did wonder whether I should simply “drop” my passion for the civic agenda and look for another “hobby”

The most recent events in the Houses of Parliament “wobbled” my desire to do my little part and absolute commitment to enhancing the democratic process. Another scandal, another U-turn, another opportunistic attempt from the government to change the rules. “One rule for us, one for them”, we heard a lot this week.