- The Public Accounts Committee has warned that the Palace of Westminster faces the risk of a catastrophic Notre Dame -style fire if restoration funding is not urgently addressed.
- Committee chair Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown highlighted that each year of delay costs £420 million, with weekly maintenance spending expected to rise to £2 million.
- Sir Geoffrey warned that inaction risks severe disruption, such as the Chamber being plunged into darkness during the State Opening of Parliament .
- MPs and Peers are set to debate and vote on an initial seven-year restoration programme capped at £3 billion, with a vote on Phase Two expected in 2030.
- A UK Parliament spokesperson confirmed safety works are already taking place across the estate while parliamentarians prepare to decide the way forward.
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