to be concerned about this school trip?

[manicinsomniac]

Please tell me I am being ridiculous and crazy.

My daughter's going on a school trip to the houses of Parliament tomorrow and I'm suddenly unreasonably worried. Do you think it will be a safe place tomorrow? she's also mixed race which really really really shouldn't make a difference but somehow it makes me a bit more twitchy

I have never been 'that' parent. I can't be because I'm also a member of staff! And it's probably just because it's been an unemotional, scaremongering weekend. But I don't know.

Tell me to get a grip! (I'm not going to keep her out of it by the way - I'll just worry quietly!)

(half thinking that there'll be a panicked phonecall tomorrow telling us they're far too busy to see kids anyway?)

[manicinsomniac]

emotional weekend not un emotional obviously!

[FinallyMadeIt]

Why does your daughter being mixed raced make you twitchy?

London is full of a lot of races and backgrounds.

[Lazyafternoon]

Yes - get a grip. What an amazing opportunity for her for he to get involved with what's going on! How old is she? Will she understand what's going on and all the huge changes going on?

However, I wouldn't be too surprised if they don't get to see much. But I wouldn't have any hesitations going into town tomorrow or anywhere like houses of parliament. I'm sure all will be very safe and normal. x

[Binkermum29]

Get a grip. Well, you asked for it.

[ApocalypseSlough]

Finally because there are reports of lots of racist incidents on the back of Brexit.
manic I think it'll be fine tomorrow- she'll be well marshalled, security is very tight.

[AdrenalineFudge]

What does her mixed heritage have to do with anything? Especially so in London?

[PolaroidsFromTheBeyond]

In the nicest possible way, you're being a bit ridiculous OP. I was in London for Pride this weekend and it's fine. Business as usual, really. No knuckle dragging racists on the rampage, I promise!

I think it would be a really exciting time to go, actually. And a great way to get kids interested in politics.

[Flouncy]

DS went and had a fab time. It was a concerning time as it was imediately post the Paris attacks, so I do understand some of your angst.

It is a call only you can make.

I know it wouldn't offer any protection but it gave me some reassurance to make sure DS had details of who he was, his school, teachers name, home phone, mobile and school phone numbers on a card in his back pocket. I put £20 in a small envelope and pined it with a safety pin to the inside of his pocket for emergencies.

[Freshprincess]

I went last year. there's a very heavy police presence all over the place. She'll be fine and a pretty interesting time to go.

[HostaFireandIce]

I'm normally quite twitchy about this sort of thing too (much more than the average Mumsnetter at least), but I honestly think this will be fine.

[manicinsomniac]

Okay thank you. I thought I was being silly. Thanks for the confirmations!

It wasn't London I was worried about btw, we go there all the time. It's the Houses of Parliament specifically. I'm worried there'll be riots and protests and it could be scary or dangerous. But that's ridiculous too, I know.

[NotYoda]

I would never tell someone to get a grip. I hate that phrase

But she'll be fine. You are worrying unduly

[WorraLiberty]

Riots and protests on a Monday morning?

That's not very British is it?

[Emmaroos]

I don't think any Brexit people (in or out) will be fussed by school kids. However, I avoid my kids going to lots of places in London these days if it isnt really necessary because I think it's only a matter of time before a Brussels or Paris type shooter slips through the security services net. My husband had a very lucky escape on 7/7 which makes it seem that bit more real and possible.
However, I know that logically the odds of being in the wrong place at the wrong time are teeny, so for something like a school trip to Parliament I'd park my caution (which I don't share with my kids anyway) and wave her off happily.
I think cash for emergencies and the information to ask for help if needed (or the skill of flagging a taxi and give the driver her address, age dependent) is no harm either. When I was growing up there was always "emergency taxi fare" in a jar at home for "worst case need to get out of here" scenarios.

[noblegiraffe]

There is massive security going into the Houses of Parliament. I went for a tour as a guest of a friend, they needed a letter of approval from an MP, we had our photos taken and photo ID made up, bags were checked thoroughly and we went through scanners.

She'll be safe in there.

[LyndaNotLinda]

Don't patronise manic - there have been lots of racist incidents since the referendum. And many of them have been in London.

But I'd say your DD will be absolutely fine. They will drop them off very nearby where really the only people they will pass on the streets will be tourists. You can't protest or riot or anything within hundreds of metres of Parliament now and the security is very tight in the surrounding area. She'll have a great time I'm sure although I'd expect the atmosphere to be very subdued

[DoreenLethal]

Possibly the best day to be at the HoC this century.

[shazzarooney999]

Agree with LyndaNotLinda.

[LunaLoveg00d]

Think the only danger will be having to plough through crowds of reporters. The security at the Houses of Parliament is always extremely tight.

[manicinsomniac]

Thanks, Lynda . Yes, they're going by coach so I' sure the drop off will be close.

[lljkk]

London is still full of all colours of people. So pretty safe. She'll be one of thousands.
Out in the sticks where i live, not so sure.

[LondonKiwiMummy]

I get where you are coming from - but there is huge security at Houses of Parliament, and I very strongly believe that there will be no riots or even protests. There have been some racist incidents here over the last 24 hours , but they are isolated and your daughter will be here in a group and well marshalled.

I would definitely send my own DC on a trip like that. It will be fascinating.

I am more worried about attacks on the tube as a Londoner. That said, children should be travelling outside peak hours.

[LynetteScavo]

She will be fine.

I promise.

[FinallyMadeIt]

I pretty much doubt someone would be racist to a child.

[Backingvocals]

I haven't seen any reports of "lots of racist incidents" in London since the referendum