Sir, The future of the Houses of Parliament concerns us all. It is both at the core of our national identity and a potent symbol of our democratic way of life.
Repairing and restoring this Grade I listed centrepiece of the Westminster world heritage site to its true glory will be an international story. This project, besides creating jobs and apprenticeships, could drive a resurgence in many craft and traditional building skills. We need urgently to commission the training to supply this expertise, as well as the associated management and scholarship that will be so vital for its successful delivery. It is vital that parliamentarians and the public ensure that this work highlights the quality of our heritage, the excellence of our management and conservation skills, and shows the extent to which heritage contributes to our economic recovery. As such it will inspire national creativity and champion the beauty and value of our historic environment to a global audience.
Loyd Grossman, chairman, Heritage Alliance; Sir Laurie Magnus Bt, chairman, Historic England, Sir Peter Luff, chairman, National Heritage Memorial Fund; Tim Parker, chairman, National Trust