Political opinion with Andrew Griffith MP: Privileged to attend installation of new Archbishop

The ceremony, attended by clergy, religious leaders, civic representatives and lay faithful, marked the beginning of Moth’s leadership of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Westminster, the principal Catholic see in England and Wales dating back to its restoration in 1850.

The Rite of Installation began at midday with the public reading of Pope Leo XIV’s apostolic letter followed by Cardinal Vincent Nichols presenting Moth with the crozier, symbolising his pastoral authority. Dignitaries included the Church of England’s own Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, who welcomed him on behalf of Churches Together in England.

Talking of institutions, readers may have seen recent reports of the outlandish amounts which it is estimated to cost to restore the Parliament building.

Although they will be put to a vote in parliament later this year, I will not support either of the current two options under any circumstances. They represent appalling value for money for the taxpayer being excessively costly, prolonged and lacking clear accountability. At a time of ongoing fiscal pressures on public services, many ordinary taxpayers are uneasy about spending billions of pounds — with some cost projections ranging from roughly £11 billion to as much as £39–£40 billion, and the most extensive options potentially taking decades to complete.

Whilst most of the building dates from the Victorian era and some parts are much older; it should be perfectly possible to do a plan for rolling repairs with a small board and a single executive held accountable. One reason for the ballooning costs are inappropriate ideas like making every corner of the gothic palace fully accessible and trying to make a notoriously draughty grade 1 listed building being warmed with net zero heat pumps.