UK parliament risks 'catastrophic failure' over delayed renovation
LONDON: Britain’s centuries-old parliament is at risk of a “Notre Dame-like” fire or other catastrophe if lawmakers continue to put off a major restoration project, MPs warned Wednesday.
Britain's centuries-old parliament faces a grave threat of catastrophe, Parliament's public accounts committee warned on Wednesday. The Palace of Westminster is crumbling under crumbling masonry, ageing electrics, frequent leaks, and high asbestos levels. The estate, within a Unesco world heritage site, requires billions of pounds in renovation, but lawmakers have yet to agree on a plan.
The committee claims the delay is spiraling costs and risks causing a catastrophic failure that could harm the UK's morale and reputation.
Chair Geoffrey Clifton-Brown cited the potential for the chamber to be plunged into darkness during the state opening of parliament, likening it to the Notre Dame fire. He emphasized that such a scenario could result in the destruction of our heritage or even loss of life. The committee stressed that these risks are not mere possibilities, but real and growing threats.
Most of the central London site, including the iconic Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben), was built during the 1800s. Parliamentarians first voted to relocate in 2018 for repairs, but disagreements persist on whether to proceed. Several votes on the Restoration and Renewal programme are expected this year. Options include a full decant costing up to £15.6 billion and taking up to 24 years, or a partial decant costing £39 billion and lasting up to 61 years, with minimal staff on-site.
Current predictions suggest work would begin in 2032. The committee warned that maintenance costs will rise from £1.5 million to £2 million per week, adding £420 million to lifetime scheme costs for each delay.
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