The Commons should move across the river to debate in County Hall
sir – Why can’t the Commons move debates to London County Hall while the Palace of Westminster is being refurbished?
Having just seen a fantastic production of Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution, cleverly set in the disused debating chamber of County Hall, I can report that it seats nearly 400 and has microphones in place for debating. It is a magnificent setting, with all the gravitas needed for international credibility.
How often are all 650 MPS present? With a bit of imagination, additional seating could be provided. It is just a walk away from Westminster.
We should not be bullied by extravagant MPS demanding the earth when there is no money to pay for it. Austerity can apply to MPS, too. Pip Billington
Winchester, Hampshire
sir – Given that the Lords are not only the second-largest legislative assembly in the world, after that of China, but are also unelected, would it not be a good idea if the House of Lords failed to return to Westminster and made way for a democratically elected federal upper house for the whole United Kingdom? Jonathan C Simons
Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire
sir – The repairs and improvements of the Palace of Westminster will take an estimated five years.
Henry VIII built three castles – Walmer, Sandown and the “Great Castle” at Deal – in 17 months. Indeed, Deal was advanced enough after only eight months to hold a banquet to welcome Anne of Cleves to England.
Have building techniques advanced or diminished over the centuries? Marguerite Beard-gould
Walmer, Kent
sir – Has it occurred to the programme team to arrange for a theme park to build working replicas of both chambers, together with ancillary space?
These could be let to the Lords and Commons for the duration of the project, after which they would be open to the public, making possible activities such as a Children’s Parliament and perhaps a new soap opera called The Commons.
Costs could be close to neutral while it is used for Parliament, and profitable afterwards. The nearest site may be at Dartford, already allocated for a theme park and with good rail connections. Simon Green
Maidstone, Kent
sir – The Government could create a modern parliament building elsewhere and simply move into it.
It would probably be cost-free, given the value of the present site. A modern layout might even lead to discussions rather than arguments. Brian Gilbert
Hampton, Middlesex
sir – May I suggest they move to Brussels? Philip Wilkinson
Halifax, West Yorkshire