Paralympic Flame visits Houses of Parliament

The torch was lit in Peers’ Lobby in the House of Lords and was carried by torchbearer Roy Kerwin who exchanged flames with torchbearer Alan Richardson in Central Lobby. The Flame was then carried to Members’ Lobby before finishing its journey before the Bar of the House in the Commons’ Chamber.

Members of the public, parliamentarians and staff of the House of Commons and the House of Lords including members of Parliament’s Workplace Equality Network for Disability, ParliAble, attended the event in support of the Games.

President of ParliAble and Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow MP, said:

"I am delighted that we were able to bring the Paralympic Torch to Parliament in celebration of the forthcoming Games. As an advocate for equality and inclusion, I am proud that Parliament was able to pay tribute to these courageous and inspirational athletes, and I look forward to cheering them on in the weeks to come."   

The Lord Speaker, Baroness D’Souza, said:

"It is wonderful that we in the House of Lords were able to take part in the Paralympic Torch Relay. We have several Olympians in the House of Lords and Baroness Grey-Thompson, who won 16 Paralympic medals, is an active Member of the House. The London Olympics have proved a huge success and I am sure that will continue with the Paralympics." 

Further information

Learn more about Parliament and its historic relationship with the Olympic and Paralympic Games:

• Living Heritage: Parliamentary Olympians