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The Conservative Party is demanding that the proposed refurbishment of the Palace of Westminster be halted and reconsidered, amid worries that costs could escalate into the tens of billions of pounds. Plans presented to MPs suggest a complete renovation of the historic parliamentary building could cost nearly £40 billion and span over six decades.
The team managing the project has cautioned that any postponement in addressing the urgent restoration needs of the Palace—which currently costs £1.5 million per week to maintain—could lead to a costly deterioration managed only through decline. Despite this, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has sharply criticized the ongoing plans, describing the restoration as “out of control” and likening it to a “basket case white elephant project.” Badenoch confirmed her party’s intent to reject the existing proposals if they proceed to a vote in Parliament, emphasizing concerns over the project’s governance, scope, and value for money.
Highlighting the drastic increase in cost estimates and the potential for the timeline to extend across multiple decades, the Conservatives warned against what they call “mission creep.” Initially envisioned as a program focused on critical safety improvements, it is now perceived as evolving into an extensive overhaul of the parliamentary estate, including numerous additional works beyond essential structural repairs. To address these issues, the Conservatives have launched a public petition calling for a fundamental reassessment of the project, advocating for concentration on vital safety and structural maintenance combined with enhanced external oversight and transparent parliamentary reporting.
Responding to these criticisms, a UK Parliament spokesperson reiterated that the proposals aim to safeguard the future of the Palace of Westminster. The spokesperson stressed that the priorities include upgrading outdated systems such as power, water, heating, fire safety, asbestos management, and stonework repairs. They also noted that all members of both Houses will have the opportunity to scrutinize, debate, and ultimately decide on the way forward.
Two renovation options were recently endorsed by a committee comprising MPs, peers, and external members known as the R&R Client Board. One option suggests relocating only the House of Lords during the work, which could take up to 61 years and cost £39 billion. Alternatively, a plan to move both MPs and peers out of the building for as many as 24 years starting in 2032, priced at approximately £15.6 billion, is also proposed. The board aims to reach a final decision by mid-2030, while recommending initial works limited to £3 billion over seven years. However, some members, including Conservative MP Jesse Norman, have expressed objections to these plans.
The necessity for renovation has been recognized for over a decade, with previous parliamentary committee reports warning of an impending crisis due to the building’s deteriorating condition. Despite this, no substantial action was taken for years. Now, concerns around safety risks such as falling masonry, asbestos, fire hazards, and failing infrastructure like exploding toilets have underscored the urgency. While there is broad agreement on the need for repair, political consensus on the method remains elusive. The government has yet to clarify its stance on the latest proposals but has committed to ensuring value for taxpayers’ money. Other parties remain divided, with Liberal Democrats leaving votes to MPs’ discretion and the Green Party advocating for a complete evacuation of both MPs and peers during restoration. Reform UK has not made its position public
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