MPs have voted to back a full refurbishment of the Palace of Westminster, with the Commons expected to relocate to Whitehall from 2025 for at least six years. The decision, passed by 236 votes to 220, commits to a programme of works costing at least £3.5 billion to address fire safety risks.
The vote supported an amendment from Labour MP Meg Hillier, rejecting two motions from Commons leader Andrea Leadsom that would not have required MPs and peers to move off site. Under the plan, the Commons will move to Richmond House and the Lords to the Queen Elizabeth II conference centre. The Lords must still vote on the proposals but are expected to follow the Commons' lead.
During a three-hour debate, MPs warned of serious safety risks, with Leadsom noting 60 incidents in the past decade that could have caused a major fire. Labour's Chris Bryant described the high-pressure steam heating system as a potential hazard, saying it 'could burst at any time'. However, some MPs, including Sir Edward Leigh, questioned the costs and timeline, predicting the decant could last 10 to 12 years.
Hillier expressed delight that parliament had not 'ducked a decision', adding: 'We now need a clear plan and to watch costs closely.' The prime minister, Theresa May, was absent on a visit to China but had reportedly favoured a full decant. The move marks the first time either house will leave the Victorian-era palace since the Commons chamber was bombed in 1941.
