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Restoration and Renewal — [Derek Twigg in the Chair]
07 July 2022
Lead MP
Geoffrey Clifton-Brown
North Cotswolds
Con
Responding Minister
Marcus Jones
Tags
HousingWomen & Equalities
Word Count: 13392
Other Contributors: 6
At a Glance
Geoffrey Clifton-Brown raised concerns about restoration and renewal — [derek twigg in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The lead MP asks for the establishment of a new joint department to oversee the restoration and renewal programme, ensuring clear lines of communication with Parliament and regular updates on project progress.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The Palace of Westminster requires urgent restoration and renewal to address issues such as asbestos removal, fire safety, accessibility for disabled individuals, and decarbonisation. The cost is estimated between £8 billion and £18 billion, with the project potentially involving a full or partial decant due to complexity. There are concerns about potential overruns and lack of clear deadlines leading to increased costs and delays.
Clive Betts
Lab
Sheffield South East
I am listening with interest to the hon. Member's comments and express concerns that bringing the arrangements for the organisation of this massive project in-house will not necessarily solve difficulties, given our track record of managing large capital projects. He mentioned a potential solution involving the shortening of the summer recess for works, suggesting that this could save money and improve functionality. He noted that while it may not be an absolute solution, it is worth examining.
John Nicolson
SNP
Nairn, Aberdeenshire and Moray
The Palace of Westminster is a UNESCO world heritage site with historical significance. The building has faced challenges such as fires and needs restoration to preserve its architectural glories while also modernising it for contemporary work practices. There are issues like lack of disability access, childcare facilities, and outdated voting systems which need addressing.
Nick Brown
Lab
Dewsbury
Mr Brown expressed his pleasure at serving under the chairmanship and highlighted the importance of financial oversight in the Restoration and Renewal project. He noted that more detailed professional advice at the start could have prevented cost overruns, and he questioned the wisdom of not including Norman Shaw South in the programme. Mr Brown also raised concerns about asbestos in the building and suggested re-routing as a solution, emphasizing the need for experts rather than MPs finding solutions.
He pointed out that decanting would involve complications with the sewerage system running from one end of the building to the other. He also suggested that Parliament should have control over the project timeline and budget, similar to how it was done for the High Speed 2 project. The project must move forward as the current infrastructure requires significant overhaul due to its hazardous conditions, including asbestos and outdated sewage systems. A full decant is necessary for safety and efficiency.
Robin Millar
Con
Wyre Forest
Acknowledges the work on the Restoration and Renewal project, emphasizing the importance of not allowing specification creep. Highlights the need for clarity in project scope, procurement, knowledge curation, innovation in governance structures, and ensuring continuity of function.
Bristol West
Appreciated the consensual nature of the debate and emphasized the importance of scrutiny and engagement in the restoration process. Highlighted concerns about value for money, financial oversight, transparency, political interference, and safety issues such as asbestos, fires, and plumbing problems.
Government Response
Marcus Jones
Government Response
Congratulated the Member securing the debate, recognised contributions from all Members. Confirmed need to restore the building while considering economic context. Proposed new governance structure for more flexibility and closer engagement with MPs. Emphasised expertise will remain in place despite changes. Highlighted initial priorities including fire safety and asbestos management. Reassured concerns over expert knowledge, bringing work in-house and specification creep. Addressed disabled access facilities inadequacy. Pledged support for motion next week to advance project.
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Assessment & feedback
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.