Asbestos Found in Parliament as MPs Are Urged to Approve a Revamp
Asbestos remains across the estate
Parliamentary authorities said surveys for the long-awaited refurbishment uncovered more asbestos items. Although 700 items were removed over five years, the total number recorded has risen, a BBC Freedom of Information request found.
A UK Parliament spokesperson said the safety of people working on and visiting the estate was its “absolute priority.” The spokesperson cited improved monitoring, awareness training and plans for further removal. Dr Hannah Moody, chief executive of Mesothelioma UK, supports a national asbestos register and phased removal from public buildings. She said workers should also receive health and safety advice on managing risks.
MPs face a restoration decision
The government is considering holding a vote on refurbishing Parliament after years of delay. The wider project could cost up to £40bn and take 61 years, according to the report.
One option would move only the House of Lords out of the building. That plan is estimated to cost £39bn and take 61 years.
Safety risks add to urgency
The parliamentary estate includes ageing infrastructure, including Victorian-era sewage pumping equipment and old basement cables. A precautionary approach should account for building deterioration, extreme weather, floods, fires and disruption from renovation or maintenance, the Parliament spokesperson said.
The committee raised the possibility of a fire causing damage to heritage or harm to people. The report also included a remark about a person identifying two workplaces where she might have been exposed, one of them the Palace of Westminster, but did not identify her in that passage.
Key points
- Surveys found more asbestos items as refurbishment preparations continued.
- Parliament removed 700 asbestos items in five years, but the total rose.
- MPs and peers could vote on a way forward before year-end.
- Restoration options include plans costing up to £40bn and taking 61 years.