Mps vote leave houses parliament refit
You're referring to the recent news about the UK's Members of Parliament (MPs) voting to leave the European Union (EU) and the subsequent plans to refurbish the Houses of Parliament.
To recap, on January 31, 2020, the UK officially left the EU, marking the end of 47 years of membership. The departure was the result of a national referendum in 2016, in which a majority of voters chose to leave the EU, and subsequent parliamentary votes to trigger Article 50 and initiate the withdrawal process.
Regarding the refurbishment of the Houses of Parliament, it's true that the UK's Parliament is in need of significant repairs and modernization. The building, which dates back to the 19th century, has been plagued by issues such as crumbling stonework, outdated infrastructure, and inadequate facilities for MPs and staff.
In 2019, the UK government announced plans to refurbish the Palace of Westminster, which is the official name of the Houses of Parliament, at an estimated cost of £4.2 billion (approximately $5.5 billion USD). The project aims to address the building's many issues, including:
- Repairing and replacing the building's aging infrastructure, such as pipes, wiring, and roofing.
- Improving accessibility and facilities for MPs, staff, and visitors.
- Enhancing the building's energy efficiency and sustainability.
- Preserving the historic fabric of the building while incorporating modern technologies and design.
The refurbishment project is expected to take around 5-7 years to complete, with the aim of having the work finished by the mid-2020s.