“Farcical” to wait until 2030 to make decision on restoration and renewal of parliament, says FDA

The FDA has responded to the latest publication of UK Parliament’s Restoration and Renewal Board, Delivering restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster: the costed proposals. 

As quoted in The Standard, FDA General Secretary Dave Penman called for immediate action to be taken to ensure the safety of those working in the parliamentary estate, saying:

“It is farcical that a decision has not already been reached. The Restoration and Renewal Programme was established in 2013 and MPs were first asked to consider options and make recommendations in 2015.

“Waiting until 2030 to make the decision on enhanced maintenance versus a full decant of the parliamentary estate is not a viable option.

“Over a decade has already passed. The facts have not changed. Independent reports and parliamentary staff agree – a full decant of the estate is the safest, quickest, and most cost-effective way to make parliament safe. Every other measure fails to adequately address safety and security concerns.

“The only thing that has changed is the increased costs and danger. Since 2015, costs have risen from £3.8 billion to £15.6 billion as construction prices have increased, the building falls further into disrepair, and we continue to spend £75.9 million a year just on maintenance.

“In the last decade there has also been 36 fire incidents, 12 asbestos incidents, and 19 stonemasonry incidents.”

Penman continued:

“No more reports, no more commissions, no more dithering and delaying. Parliamentary leaders must now take an urgent position on the delivery approach and choose a full decant of the estate.

“The health and safety of members, staff, and visitors take precedence. We cannot wait for a catastrophic incident to focus minds and make the decision for us.”