Restoration and Renewal

Dame Meg Hillier, the Labour/Co-op MP for Hackney South and Shoreditch, asked what recent progress has been made on the restoration and renewal programme for the Palace of Westminster. In response, Nick Smith, the Government representative, explained that earlier this year, the Restoration and Renewal Client Board published the strategic case for the programme, which sets out how to deliver the necessary works. He stated that detailed work, including robust cost, timescale and risk estimates for all three options, is expected to be presented to the House in 2025 to enable an evidence-based decision on the best way to restore the Palace. Dame Meg Hillier expressed frustration, stating that the issue of restoration and renewal has been discussed for 40 years, with problems such as falling masonry, leaks, and asbestos. She asked the Government representative to champion the issue and ensure a resolution before a catastrophic event destroys the world heritage site. Nick Smith acknowledged Dame Meg Hillier's long-standing advocacy for the programme and stated that they would continue to work together on this issue. Bob Blackman, the Conservative MP for Harrow East, then intervened, stating that the Palace is costing over £1 million per month just for maintenance, and that the delay in decision-making is leading to increased costs and further degradation of the building. Nick Smith acknowledged the importance of moving faster and reducing costs, and promised to provide the detailed information requested by Bob Blackman.