IS it time for MPs to conduct the business of government away from the historic Palace of Westminster?

If they are serious about creating a Northern Powerhouse and devolving decision-making away from London, then moving Parliament northwards would send out a powerful message about building a more inclusive democracy that works for the whole country.

Shifting some of the BBC’s staff and programme-making to Salford proved a catalyst for redeveloping former industrial land and relocating jobs and investment that would otherwise have stayed in the capital. Moving the seat of government away from London would have even more impact.

It might broaden the horizons of Londoncentric decision makers and shake-up our outmoded system of law making and debate. The current Parliament might well have suited the era of adversarial two-party politics but yelling at one another across the chamber has had its day. Structures such as the European Parliament and Welsh Assembly are more befitting of how 21st Century democracy works where fringe parties play an increasingly important role.

The Grade I-listed Westminster palace is due to close as it undergoes a massive restoration programme, estimated to take at least six years. The makeover is not expected to begin before 2023, and an MP who has looked at the plans fears the refurbishment costs will spiral way beyond the original £4bn estimate.

One architect suggests building a giant glass dome built onto a steel platform set in the Thames. But we have a one in a lifetime chance to do something really radical. At the very least Parliament should move to the North or the Midlands while the refurb works take place. Building a permanent home away from London and finding a new use for the crumbling World Heritage site would be better still.