MPs must weigh up costs of Westminster repairs, says Leadsom

MPS MUST first decide whether they can “afford to justify” repairs to the Houses of Parliament before ensuring value for money, according to Andrea Leadsom.

The Commons Leader insisted work is needed to restore the Palace of Westminster, although she said there must be an “open discussion” among MPs about how to approach this.

Concerns over cost and public opinion have dogged the project, with previous estimates ranging from about £3.5bn to £7.1bn, depending on how quickly they are carried out and whether MPs and peers agree to temporarily relocate during the works. Mrs Leadsom has tabled two motions for debate on January 31, with the first allowing MPs to authorise essential repairs but agree to review before the end of the parliament in 2022 the “need for comprehensive works”.

The second would establish a body to carry out a “sufficiently thorough and detailed analysis” of various aspects linked to the restoration work, including MPs and peers either moving out or partially staying during the repairs, and would seek to push forward the process sooner.

Mrs Leadsom said the decision before MPs included weighing up the palace’s status as a “national icon” alongside costs to taxpayers.

Shadow Commons leader Valerie Vaz said it was “quite surprising” that the debate had been allocated half a day in the Commons, which equates to approximately three hours. The Labour MP also asked the Government to “think again and re-table the motions” to fully take into account assessment work done by the Joint Committee on the Palace of Westminster. Mrs Leadsom replied: “The reason for the motion is to be very clear that this is a decision for the House.”