London : proposed vote would allow preparatory work on the Palace of Westminster to begin, but would not decide how the full restoration is carried out.
The 19th-century Palace of Westminster has been in limbo for more than a decade as MPs, peers and parliamentary authorities disagree over how to repair it. The building has leaks, fires, asbestos and outdated plumbing and wiring.
Successive governments have been reluctant to champion the costly renovation amid fears of a public backlash. The main refurbishment options have been estimated to cost between £11 billion and £39 billion. But Andy Burnham’s government has given fresh impetus to the long-stalled project. Burnham entered Downing Street in July.
Government whips have discussed holding a debate and vote in early December on starting “preparatory works” for the restoration, according to three people familiar with the plans.
Alan Campbell, leader of the House of Commons, told MPs in October:
The longer we postpone it, the more it costs not just to keep this place functioning, but to eventually get round to doing something about it.
– Alan Campbell
A government aide, granted anonymity to speak candidly, said:
No-one wants to be holding the baby when disaster strikes.
– A government aide
The aide also cited everyday risks that could make the building inoperable. The Palace could be certified as unsafe to enter because of fire or structural risks, the aide warned. MPs and peers would still be allowed in, but other personnel, including office staff, caterers and reporters, could be blocked at the gates.
A parliamentary official briefed on internal discussions said Burnham’s senior advisers “appeared positive” about opportunities the project could provide for specialist tradespeople and conservationists.
A December vote would allow contractors to begin work including procurement and building surveys. The program is estimated to cost £3 billion over seven years. The vote would not determine the final approach to wholesale restoration, which is due to be decided in 2030.
The options would be a “full decant,” moving all MPs to another building, or “enhanced maintenance and improvement plus,” which would allow the House of Commons to remain in the Palace during the work.
Two of the three people familiar with the plans said Conservative Party leaders intend to tell their MPs to oppose preparatory works. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said earlier this year that the restoration plans were “out of control” and had “turned into a basket case white elephant project.”
A report published Wednesday by the cross-party public accounts committee said:
Without action, at best the Palace will be in a process of managed decline. At worst, a catastrophic event could occur that endangers lives and interrupts the functioning of democracy in the U.K.
– Public accounts committee
Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, a Conservative MP who chairs the committee, told POLITICO they were “very keen that the government gets on, has this debate, has a vote, and phase one starts.”
Corridors in the Palace’s sprawling basement are so crowded with gas lines, water pipes, electrical wiring and redundant infrastructure that workers can walk through only in single file. A misting system is in place to reduce fire risk, and additional safety measures have been introduced in recent years after masonry came loose on several occasions.
Ad hoc maintenance and repair costs reached £1.56 million a week in 2025, up from £1.45 million a week in 2023.
A UK Parliament spokesperson said work was already underway across the parliamentary estate to ensure the ongoing safety of people working there and visiting. The spokesperson added that restoration proposals are expected to be debated by members of both Houses to decide a way forward.
