MPs may be forced to move out of Westminster in a relocation of the British Parliament. Cue cries of jubilation up and down the country from the many who would like to see power and influence devolved permanently from the capital. Rather than a brief move during the repair works, this is seen as a chance to shake up the establishment for good. There are even those who suggest that a move out of London would be a just punishment for our MPs.
But, the Speaker is right, it would be a “huge pity” if our parliament no longer sat in its iconic palace on the Thames. It is just not feasible. And, I think it would harm our country.
The money spent on relocating parliament even for the duration of repair works would be an astronomical addition to the current £3 billion estimate.
And what happens to the Palace of Westminster?
The iconic Palace of Westminster with Big Ben is a symbol of democracy across the world. It is the mother of all parliaments, the birthplace of constitutional monarchy, and there are few democracies in the world that have not felt its influence. To abandon it would undermine our nation’s proudest heritage and our identity.
It is naïve to suggest that removing politicians from Westminster would change the nature of politics. I am not at all sure that parliament is the creaking institution its critics would argue. The coalition has certainly raised the profile of parliament; its role in tempering government has never been more apparent. There may be quaint and queer traditions but these conventions have shaped the fabric of our country, kept it steady and ready and able to adapt for centuries.
Certainly some constitutional reform would be welcome: fewer MPs and peers perhaps, a change to the electoral system to make it more representative. But, it does not need to happen away from Westminster.
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