Rachel Reeves writes for Kirkstall Matters following KVCA’s day out in the capital

This summer’s festival at Kirkstall Abbey was, yet again, a testament to the hard work of the volunteers who stage the event every year. I have enjoyed visiting the festival for many years, and know that many people in Kirkstall see it as a fixture in their calendar.That’s why I decided to invite the organisers, and other members of Kirkstall Valley Community Association, down to Westminster for a day. So I was delighted when nearly 30 people turned up in London to swap Kirkstall Abbey for the Palace of Westminster.

I’d organised for them to have a tour of the Palace, a drink on the famous Terrace, and a chance to watch debates from the public galleries. But first, the group had the chance to chat to a number of MPs who stopped by after hearing me wax lyrical about Kirkstall Festival.

At a reception in Portcullis House, with views over Parliament Square, the group got the chance to have a chat with Lisa Nandy MP, Jack Dromey MP, Michael Dugher MP, Leeds North East MP Fabian Hamilton, Shadow Secretary of State for Wales Owen Smith and the Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls. The Shadow Chancellor then accompanied everyone to the Terrace of the House of Commons for a pint of Yorkshire Ale and stunning views across the River Thames.

As debates went on inside the House of Commons about extradition, Scottish Independence and Infrastructure, some of the group watched from above, while others toured Westminster Hall, Central Lobby and the other sights of Parliament.

It was a real privilege to show everyone from KVCA around, and I hope it will give a bit of inspiration for the festival next year as well!

If you would like to book a tour of the House of Commons and live in Leeds West, get in touch with Rachel via rachel.reeves.mp@parliament.uk or 0113 263 0411.