Question

To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker, in developing plans for the repair of the Victoria Tower, what consideration was given to (1) constructing a secure pedestrian walkway or passage protected from falling masonry or repair work near, or in line with, the current pedestrian walkway; and (2) keeping the footpath next to Abingdon Green clear of demonstrators to allow the free passage of parliamentarians from 1 Millbank.

In developing plans for the Victoria Tower Safety Project, several options were considered, including consideration for expanding the existing catchment area to maintain a pedestrian walkway. However, these alternatives did not fully mitigate the risk of falling masonry and were not deemed to represent value for money due to ongoing maintenence and the requirement for land licenses beyond the Parliamentary Estate. Full scaffolding and undertaking stone repairs was therefore identified as the most effective solution to fully mitigate future risks of stone fall.

Management of protest or demonstration outside Parliament is a matter for the Metropoliton Police Service. There is a balance to be struck between the right to protest and Parliamentarians' right to access the seat of democracy unimpeded. The Parliamentary Security Department continues to work closely with partners within the Metropolitan Police Service to ensure access is maintained.