Westminster faces Notre Dame-style fire risk, MPs warn

Westminster fire risk warning

The Public Accounts Committee has warned that the Palace of Westminster could suffer a Notre Dame-style fire if MPs do not tackle refurbishment funding. The Grade I-listed building's repairs have been repeatedly delayed.

Delay costs £420 million yearly

Each year of delay in deciding on refurbishments costs another £420 million, the committee warned. Parliament's weekly maintenance spending is expected to rise from £1.5 million to £2 million.

Real risks, not notional ones

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, chair of the committee, warned of catastrophic failure risks including the Chamber being plunged into darkness during the State Opening of Parliament or flames destroying the building's roof.

“A lack of action risks, for instance, the Chamber being plunged into darkness during the State Opening of Parliament. Consider the impact of global rolling news footage of Notre Dame-like flames licking out of the building's roof, resulting in the destruction of our heritage, or worse, injuries or loss of life.”

Years of political delay

MPs first voted to leave the Palace of Westminster for extensive repairs in 2018, but continued disagreement has stalled progress. Sir Geoffrey said there had been a political allergy to dealing with refurbishment costs.

Seven-year Phase One plan

Parliamentarians have been asked to commit to a seven-year programme of Phase One works capped at £3 billion. A vote on Phase Two is expected to take place in 2030.

Vote approaches on restoration

Sir Geoffrey called for detailed certainty before the vote to give MPs and Peers confidence in their decisions. Questions remain about where parliamentarians would go during a full decant of the building.