MPs to debate urgent Palace of Westminster restoration

On Thursday 11 January the House of Commons will debate how best to carry out the extensive and increasingly urgent restoration of the historic Palace of Westminster in London.

A Joint Committee on the Palace of Westminster was established in 2015 to investigate potential solutions to the Westminster problem. The findings, published in a paper last year, revealed that the Palace faced an “impending crisis” – one which can no longer be ignored.

According to the committee, the risk is substantial and growing. Whether the result of a single, catastrophic event – a devastating fire, for instance – or a succession of incremental failures in essential systems, Parliament could one day find itself unable to occupy the Palace.

Now, the government has announced an official date to discuss what happens next. An as yet unpublished motion is anticipated which will allow a sponsor board and delivery authority to be established to oversee and deliver the restoration and consider the options available for delivery.

According to central government, the three options up for consideration are:

1. A full move out, relocating both the House of Commons and Lords for the duration of the works.
2. A partial move out, during which one House will relocate at a time.
3. A foothold, retained during the works – in Westminster Hall, for example.

The government has also intimated that once the risks, costs and benefits have been weighed up and both Houses are in agreement with the Sponsor Board’s recommendation – subject to a further vote – the chosen option will be taken forward to design and delivery phase.

It is thought that the House of Lords will hold its own debate shortly after the Commons.

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