Bring House of Lords to Sunderland say Lib Dems, after Michael Gove suggests relocation to city

Liberal Democrats on Wearside are urging politicians, business leaders and the public across the North East to back a campaign to bring the House of Lords to Sunderland, after the city was suggested as a possible new location by Michael Gove.

Secretary of State for Levelling Up Michael Gove has written to the Speaker of the House of Lords to say that he wants the upper house of Parliament to move outside of London for several years whilst the current Parliament buildings undergo renovation works - and that he would block the current plan for it to be moved to a conference centre opposite the Palace of Westminster.

Alternative locations for the House of Lords mentioned by Mr Gove in his letter included Sunderland, as well as Plymouth, Burnley, Stoke on Trent or Edinburgh.

Now the Liberal Democrats in Sunderland, who first called for the city to be the new home of Parliament when a move was initially suggested in 2020, are urging people across the region to get behind a campaign to move the parliamentary chamber to the North East.

Commenting, Lib Dem opposition leader on Sunderland City Council Niall Hodson said:

"Whilst the Palace of Westminster is being refurbished it is quite right that a temporary new home for the House of Lords outside of London is properly considered.

"Sunderland would be a perfect new home for Peers of the Realm, with many sites in and around the city centre that are long overdue for redevelopment and would provide a suitable venue for a temporary House of Lords.

"This would this be a huge economic boost to the city, and to the wider region, and would help put us on the map. That's why I'm asking politicians from across the region and from all political parties to back a campaign for Sunderland to be the new home of the House of Lords."