Speaker Lindsay Hoyle Slams Parliament Restoration Delays as 'Frustrating'

The Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, has voiced deep frustration over the sluggish progress on restoring the Palace of Westminster, describing the current approval process as akin to "putting ourselves in handcuffs." In an interview with the BBC, Sir Lindsay criticized the bureaucratic hurdles that have stalled essential renovations to the historic building.

Urgent Repairs Needed

Sir Lindsay's comments come amid growing concerns about the deteriorating state of the Palace, with the Commons public accounts committee warning this week that it is "crunch time" for the building's restoration. The committee highlighted that the project could cost up to £40 billion and take 61 years to complete, with each year of delay costing taxpayers £420 million. The chairman of the committee also cautioned that the Palace could be left vulnerable to a devastating fire similar to the one that engulfed Notre Dame.

"My biggest frustration is that we're not getting on with the work," Sir Lindsay told BBC Radio 4's The Week in Westminster. "We spend more time doing surveys. Instead of doing surveys, why don't we start repairing the building?"

The Speaker criticized the existing legislation that prevents major renovations from commencing 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 said. "What we have to do is renovate and repair the problem areas."

Fire Safety Concerns

Sir Lindsay also raised questions about the delay in installing a fire-suppressing mist system throughout the building, a measure he has advocated for years. "The major part and the most historic parts of the building haven't got it, and that's what we need," he said.

When asked about reports that Parliament might 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.

The Palace of Westminster, much of which dates back to the 19th century, has a network of wires and pipes that in some cases are decades old. A report a decade ago warned of an "impending crisis," and fire safety issues and high levels of asbestos have been identified.

The BBC understands that 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 £3 billion 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 £15.6 billion. Another involves moving only the House of Lords out of the building, costing £39 billion 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 £150 million a year trying to keep the thing standing."