Asbestos risks in the Palace of Westminster

The Public Accounts Committee published a report in May 2023 describing the risks of a serious incident involving asbestos in the Palace of Westminster.

In September 2022 asbestos was discovered in a roof void. It was not dislodged, but the contractor was drilling through into the vault to gain access, which would have resulted in a far more serious incident. The contractor did not inform the Clerks, who are responsible for the building, of the asbestos incident or limit the dangers as quickly as expected.

The work is part of a large ongoing project to protect the palace, a UNESCO world heritage site and international icon.  The committee estimates that the UK Parliament is spending up to £2m a week ‘patching up’ the building.

The report is summarised here.