Oral Answers to Questions

Charlie Dewhirst Excerpts

Thursday 16th April 2026 Commons Chamber

The hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, representing the Restoration and Renewal Client Board, was asked—

[Charlie Dewhirst (Bridlington and The Wolds) (Con)]

11. What recent progress the Client Board has made on its work.

[Mr Speaker]

I call Marsha De Cordova.

--- Later in debate ---

[Charlie Dewhirst]

What assessment has the hon. Gentleman made of the so-called waterside option, which would see a floating pontoon with temporary Chambers built on the Thames? That would allow Parliament to access the rest of the estate during the refurbishment of this Palace. Why has that not been included in the options, and why instead are we being left to choose between two lengthier and more costly options?

[Nick Smith]

I, too, read the waterside options. The issue is that there is a preferred option, which is that the Commons moves to the northern estate and the House of Lords moves to the QEII centre. That has been proposed for safety and value-for-money reasons.