UK MPs move towards vote on preparatory work for Parliament restoration
An initial programme costing an estimated £3 billion over seven years would leave the choice of a full restoration scheme until 2030.
Government whips have discussed an early December debate and vote on preliminary work to restore the Palace of Westminster, according to three people familiar with the plans. The discussions follow renewed momentum for the project under Andy Burnham’s government.
Approval would enable contractors to start a seven-year programme estimated at £3 billion, covering surveys of the building and procurement. It would not settle how the wider renovation should proceed: that decision is due in 2030.
Estimates for the main restoration options range from £11 billion to £39 billion. One would require every MP to relocate; the other would keep the House of Commons in the Palace while work takes place.
Disputes among MPs, peers and parliamentary authorities have held up the project for more than a decade. The 19th-century building suffers from leaks, asbestos, fires and ageing electrical and plumbing systems. Weekly spending on piecemeal repairs and maintenance reached £1.56 million in 2025, compared with £1.45 million in 2023.
In a report published on 4 November, the cross-party public accounts committee warned that inaction could lead to continuing deterioration or a catastrophe threatening lives and disrupting democracy. Its Conservative chair, Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, urged the government to hold a debate and vote so the first phase could begin.
Two people familiar with the plans said Conservative leaders intended to direct their MPs to oppose the preparatory work. A parliamentary spokesperson said safety work was already under way across the estate and that members of both Houses were expected to debate the restoration proposals.
