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Notre-Dame was restored in five years and under budget. But the Palace of Westminster? No chance | Simon Jenkins
Simon Jenkins argues that the Palace of Westminster’s restoration estimates have become excessive and that Parliament should move permanently outside London. He says the projected cost of up to £40bn risks making the institution a national liability, while relocation could support the government’s stated aim of strengthening regions beyond the capital.
The article says a 2014 assessment put the work at £3.5bn to £5.7bn, with a construction period of six to 32 years; newer estimates reach £40bn and 11 to 61 years. Jenkins contrasts this with the £80m spent on Big Ben’s restoration and the £80m reroofing, and notes that Notre-Dame was rebuilt for well under €1bn. A vote on the first phase is being urged, but a decision on the second phase is not expected until 2030.
In short
- Westminster restoration estimates have risen to as much as £40bn.
- The project could take up to 61 years.
- Jenkins proposes moving Parliament outside London.
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The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Relocating Parliament could avoid committing vast public funds to a complex, disruptive restoration and allow the institution to support the government’s aim of strengthening regions beyond London. The rising estimates and long timetable make it reasonable to question whether preserving the current site offers value for money, especially if a new home could meet Parliament’s needs more efficiently.
The case against
The Palace of Westminster is a working institution and a major historic building, so its restoration may be necessary to protect both public safety and national heritage. Comparisons with Notre-Dame or individual repairs may not capture the different scope and constraints of renovating a parliamentary complex; relocation would also bring substantial costs and disruption, while weakening Parliament’s connection to its historic London setting.