Lib Dems renew calls to move Parliament to Sunderland, as House of Commons looks set for move

As Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed he is considering moving the House of Commons to York whilst the Palace of Westminster undergoes renovations, opposition Lib Dems in Sunderland have renewed calls for Parliament to be moved to Wearside instead.

The Government had previously suggested moving the House of Lords to York, as part of an effort to reconnect politics with voters outside of London.

Now Prime Minister Boris Johnson has stated that he is considering moving the House of Commons to York in 2025 when MPs move out of the current Parliament buildings for several years whilst they undergo renovation works.

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

"Whilst Parliament is being relocated and refurbished it is quite right that a temporary new home for Parliament outside of London is properly considered. Sunderland has a perfect potential home with many sites in and around the city centre that are long overdue for redevelopment and would provide the perfect venue for a temporary House of Commons.

"Not only would this be a huge economic boost to the city, it would also mean MPs would be outside the Westminster bubble giving them a greater sense of people's concerns and priorities outside of London.

"Sunderland is traditionally the place where the first MP is declared at each election. All Parliaments begin here, so I think it is only right that the House of Commons sits here until their usual building is fully refurbished."