Written question asked by Andrew Bridgen (Independent (affiliation)) on Friday, 16 February 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 20 February 2024. It was answered by David Rutley (Conservative) on Thursday, 22 February 2024 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office: Demonstrations

Question: To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whether he plans to take steps to clean the red paint on his Department's building in King Charles Street; if he will make an estimate of the cost of such cleaning; and whether he is taking steps with Cabinet colleagues to help ensure that protesters cannot do it again.

Answer: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Main building in Whitehall has been subject to two significant paint protests in the past 12 months. As the building is Grade 1 listed, we must initially attempt paint removal with low impact measures, such as steam cleaning. If we subsequently need to use chemical-based options, we must first obtain permission from Westminster City Council and Historic England. As the current removal works have not concluded we cannot give a firm estimate of costs at this stage. Our security posture remains under constant review.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 14084
Session: 2023-24
Subjects: Demonstrations Costs Buildings Repairs and maintenance Vandalism Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk