Move Parliament to Sunderland instead of spending £40 billion on 61 year Westminster refurb

Wearside Liberal Democrats are calling for Parliament to be relocated to Sunderland to save costs and put politicians in touch with the real world outside London.

Opposition Lib Dem councillors in Sunderland are calling on Parliament to be relocated to Sunderland to save money and get MPs into the real world.

It comes as proposals put to MPs say refurbishing the Palace of Westminster could cost almost £40 billion and take 61 years – all at the same time the Government is saying there is no money for everyday services.

Under the proposals, a full temporary relocation of MPs and peers out of Westminster would take between 19 and 24 years and cost up to £15.6bn. The alternative option, keeping Parliament operating in the building while works are carried out in stages, could last 38 to 61 years and cost as much as £39.2bn.

In the meantime, the Palace of Westminster is already costing taxpayers £1.5 million a week just to keep it functioning, despite serious issues including failing heating systems, sewerage problems, asbestos and major fire risks.

Wearside Liberal Democrats say that if Parliament has to be moved out during the works, or permanently, it should leave London altogether and save money and deliver real economic benefit to the North East rather than simply relocating within Westminster.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat councillor for Grindon and Thorney Close Stephen O’Brien said:

“If Parliament has to move, then stop messing about. Don’t shuffle MPs across the road and pretend that’s reform. Move Parliament to Sunderland. It would be much cheaper and would put jobs, investment and national decision-making where it’s actually needed.

“Westminster can magic up £40 billion for itself but they say there's not enough money to invest in our local councils, for disabled kids or public transport to name just a few. These London-centric Labour party priorities show just why we need to move Parliament somewhere more in touch with the real world and real people’s lives.

“We’re told year after year that families, public services and councils must tighten their belts, while Westminster writes itself a blank cheque. People can see the contradiction — and they’re sick of it.”