Schoolkids from Shepton Mallet bumped into the Prime Minister during a trip to Parliament — and didn't miss the chance for a quick selfie.

The Whitstone School pupils, aged 14 to 16, were on a guided tour of Westminster on Monday, 15 December 2025, when they saw Sir Keir Starmer and asked for a photo.

The visit was arranged by local MP Tessa Munt after students in Years 10 and 11 asked to learn more about politics and how government works.

Headteacher Matthew Pike said: "We've had some wonderful experiences," he said.

"I was approached earlier in the term by two of our pupils asking to learn more about political engagement, so we invited our MP, Tessa Munt, to come into the school and meet with the pupils.

"She also arranged for a group of us to go to Parliament with her for the day — we've been to the House of Lords and will be going to the House of Commons, where we'll sit in the public gallery during a debate. We're so lucky to have this opportunity."

Speaker's procession and political press

The teens were taken on a behind-the-scenes tour of the Palace of Westminster, where they saw the historic chambers, learned how laws are made — and caught the Speaker's daily procession.

The Speaker's procession is a centuries-old tradition where the Speaker of the House of Commons is led into the chamber by ceremonial staff before the day's business begins.

The group also clocked top political journalists around the building as Parliament went about its usual business.

'Really lucky' to meet Keir Starmer

Sixteen-year-old Indi said: "It's been a really interesting day and we were really lucky to meet the Prime Minister.

"I'm a young person and I'll be able to vote at the next general election, so I wanted to find out more about Parliament. It's been amazing to see how it all works and I think it's really important — no matter which way you lean politically — to learn more about it."

Year 11 pupil Tuathla added: "It has been incredible and everyone has been so nice and friendly. It's been fantastic to find out more about the history of the two different Houses, how they've evolved and how they work together."

MP Tessa Munt said it had been "wonderful" to meet the students and see them so engaged.

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