I must agree with Charlotte Higgins’ article about the unsuitability of the Houses of Parliament (Of course there is abusive behaviour in parliament – the place was built for it, 4 May). It is a fine example of mid-Victorian civic mock-medieval gothic, but quite inappropriate and inhibiting for a modern democracy. We need a new semi-circular chamber to reflect a proportional representation constitution supporting coalition governments, in contrast to the old ecclesiastical-style confrontational benches that promote the farce that is PMQs as well as the ludicrous archaic Ruritanian ceremonies. The Houses of Parliament would be a huge tourist draw as a museum to a defunct, corrupt system. We could even re-enact historic debates. As Churchill said: “We shape our buildings and afterwards our buildings shape us.”
Dr Louis Hellman
London
• When we as architects were designing the new Scottish parliament, the stern words of Donald Dewar rang in our ears: “There should be no Westminster confrontation chamber and there should be no bars!” He abhorred the atmosphere created by the synthesis of these two things.
Our chamber is essentially radial in form and focused on the presiding officer. No member faces another. In addition, the homogeneity of the seating layout mirrors the system of proportional representation used in Scotland.
Come and have a look at the building – you are welcome. At £400m it seems a bargain compared with the costs in your article.
Mick Duncan
Former director of EMBT/RMJM, architects of Scottish parliament
• Let’s modernise our democracy and send our representatives – elected by proportional representation – to a new hemicycle in the centre of the UK. We can keep the iconic Thames-side building as a museum where Jacob Rees-Mogg can relive past glories while guiding groups of tourists.
Lynne Armstrong
Bognor Regis, West Sussex
• In her excellent article, Charlotte Higgins errs in referring to Westminster as “the mother of parliaments”. John Bright, the Birmingham MP who coined the phrase in 1865, said “England is the mother of parliaments.”
Jim McLean
London
• Have an opinion on anything you’ve read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication.
