Leading Article: A snag at the Reichstag
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THIS BUSINESS with Lord Foster, the renovated Reichstag and the 45 alleged building deficiencies is familiar. The project may be costing pounds 200m but a conversion is still a conversion, even if it is, admittedly, a lot of readies to come up with on a Friday evening.
To be honest - and we've got quite a bit of experience in this field - it's hard to see why his Lordship is copping any blame at all really. What you have here - dodgy soundproofing, vibrating podiums, defective panelling and so forth - is clearly a case of what is known in the trade as "snagging", that is, the list of little bits that the builders keep promising to fix but never quite manage, somehow. Further investigation brings that shake of the head and sharp intake of breath through pursed lips that we know so well: more than 30 contractors on the site (none of then British by the way). You should see the trouble we've had, and that was only with Tommy, Jason, Neil, Willy, Gerry the plumber and Ed the electrician.
But there's no need for all this awkward talk about going to law and stopping payment and work, that sort of thing. Just sit down there together around the table with a pencil and the back of that envelope while we go off and make everyone a nice, strong cup of tea. White, four sugars please!
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments