Parliament restoration delays 'frustrating', says Commons Speaker

The Speaker of the House of Commons has expressed "frustration" with the lack of progress on restoration to protect the Palace of Westminster.

Sir Lindsay Hoyle told the BBC the current process for approving essential renovations to Parliament amounted to "putting ourselves in handcuffs", and said more time was spent "doing surveys" than getting repairs under way.

The Commons public accounts committee this week warned it was "crunch time" for the ailing building's restoration, which could cost up to £40bn and take 61 years.

It said every additional year of delay cost taxpayers £420m, while its chairman warned the Palace could be left vulnerable to a devastating fire like that which engulfed the Notre Dame.

Sir Lindsay said his "biggest frustration" with the Victorian building's restoration was that "we're not getting on with the work".

"We spend more time doing surveys," he told BBC Radio 4's The Week in Westminster. "Instead of doing surveys, why don't we start repairing the building?"

The Speaker criticised current legislation which means the main renovations cannot begin until Parliament has approved the entire project's scope and funding.

"It's very frustrating when the Act of Parliament prevents you carrying out the major repairs that you need to. Talk about putting ourselves in handcuffs."

He added: "What we have to do is renovate and repair the problems areas."

Sir Lindsay also questioned why a fire-suppressing mist system had not yet been introduced throughout the building, even though he has called for it for years.

"The major part and the most historic parts of the building haven't got it, and that's what we need."

Asked about reports that Parliament might be given an opportunity to vote on the way forward before the end of 2026, Sir Lindsay said that was a matter for government business managers.

"Who knows when it's going to come forward? Let's see what the House decides," he said.

Much of the 19th-Century building's network of wires and pipes dates back to the 1940s - and some to the Victorian era - according to a report, external which warned of an "impending crisis" a decade ago. Fire safety issues and high levels of asbestos have also been identified.

The BBC understands government whips have discussed holding a debate and vote by the new year, but no date has been scheduled.

This would decide whether to proceed with up to £3bn of initial works and narrow down four current options, ahead of a final decision by 2030.

One proposed option would see MPs and peers move out of the site for up to 24 years from 2032, costing up to £15.6bn.

Another involves moving only the House of Lords out of the building, costing £39bn and taking 61 years.

The chairman of the body in charge of refurbishing Parliament defended the potential costs earlier this year, telling the BBC: "We're already spending £150m a year trying to keep the thing standing."