If you are a West Ham and Beckton constituent and interested in a work experience placement with my office then feel free to email [email protected]
Applications for the Summer Scheme with James Asser MP are now open!
The summer scheme was hugely helpful to my university applications, and in helping me figure out what sort of thing I enjoyed and wanted to look into for my career. Going around parliament was very fun and interesting, and spending time in parliament and the constituency office was a really good insight into work in parliament. We spoke with a range of people, visited the Supreme Court and 10 Downing Street, and took part in different activities to get us involved in what parliamentary work could look like. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in politics or parliamentary work.
Kylan writes about his work experience placement with James Asser MP:
My week in parliament with James Asser MP
When people think of parliament they think about Hansard, heated debates, and Prime Minister Questions. After spending a week in parliament I’ve realised that these common themes and public moments don’t represent the actual work done by members of parliament.
Along with parliamentary duties, where the constituency is presented with an issue that requires immediate intervention and attention, MPs can raise questions in parliament about the issue in hopes for an answer that offers transparency and or a solution and attend events that cater to that. An example, of this would be me shadowing James Asser at the London Sport event in Westminster, a charity who focuses on helping children and adults in the most deprived communities who face the greatest challenges of inequality and helping them get into sport. I understood that Newham is one of the fastest growing boroughs in London and has a lack of sporting activities for constituents. Attending this event was crucial for me as a Newham resident, who is crazy about fitness and physical activity as it was pleasant to hear what next steps will be taken ensuring there are more sporting activities for people like me. I know now that London Sports have stated they are going to invest in Newham, more so than other boroughs because of its growing population creating a huge demand.
I was lucky enough to be present with James at the Queen Victoria Seamen’s Rest in Poplar, Tower Hamlets, unveiling the English Heritage blue Plaque for Kamal Chunchie. Kamal Chunchie was a methodist minister, social reformer and community leader who dedicated much of his life supporting Black and Asian minority people, he stood up against racism. It was a well-deserved memorial on a building that continued his work to provide shelter and support for those who need it. I got the opportunity to see some of the accommodation and speak to some residents about the benefit of the scheme.
– June 2026
