A Labour peer has warned that the Palace of Westminister could be at risk of “catastrophe” after a worrying number of fires over the last decade.
Fire has broken out 45 times in Westminster over the last 10 years, latest figures show.
Labour former cabinet minister Lord Hain said that he fears the site could become a “Notre Dame inferno incubating”, referring to the blaze that devastated the famous cathedral in Paris in 2019.
He criticised the numerous delays that have plagued a multibillion renovation project aimed at revamping the Houses of Parliament.
Lord Hain said Westminster is a 'catastrophe' waiting to happen
GETTYHain, who obtained the breakdown of incidents in Parliament, said the “prevarication and delay” could have “catastrophic consequences”.
Upon learning of the number of fires through a written parliamentary question, Hain said he was “horrified”.
The peer, who served as Commons leader for two years during his time as an MP, said: “I am horrified and these fires demonstrate that there’s a Notre Dame inferno incubating in the palace.
“Parliament decided years ago to a full decant for the proper restoration and renewal of the whole precious world heritage site.
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Hain, who obtained the breakdown of incidents in Parliament, said the 'prevarication and delay' could have 'catastrophic consequences'
PA
“But ever since then, there has been prevarication and delay which could well have catastrophic consequences.”
Proposals for the multibillion-pound restoration will not be published until the end of 2025.
They will include plans for three options; These are either a full decant of both Houses, the Commons chamber remaining in “various locations” within the Palace or a much cheaper “enhanced maintenance … rolling programme of works”.
Historic England has previously said that the work could last 43 years and cost more than £20billion.
He said the site could become a 'Notre Dame inferno incubating', referring to the blaze that devastated the famous cathedral in Paris in 2019
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The public body said that the project would require nearly 3,000 specialist workers each year, devouring the UK’s supply of plasters and window experts.
Carpenters and joiners will also be in demand, Historic England’s report said.
A spokesman for UK Parliament said: “Work is already happening across the parliamentary estate to ensure the safety of those working here and visiting, including refurbishment of historic office buildings and fire safety improvements such as fire door upgrades, compartmentation, fire safety signage and a high-pressure water mist system.
“We remain on track to bring costed proposals for the restoration of the Palace of Westminster to both Houses by the end of the year detailing costs, timescales, risks and benefits of three delivery options, all of which represent a significant, multibillion-pound investment in the palace.”
