More asbestos has been discovered within the Palace of Westminster and the wider parliamentary estate, increasing the total number of identified asbestos-containing items to over 1,650, a rise of 500 since 2021. This discovery comes as Members of Parliament are urged to approve a significant refurbishment of the historic building, a project estimated to cost up to £40 billion and take 61 years.
The Commons public accounts committee has characterized the current moment as "crunch time" for the restoration, warning that each year of delay adds £420 million to the taxpayer's burden. Parliamentary authorities confirmed that additional asbestos items were identified during surveys conducted in preparation for the long-delayed refurbishment.
Asbestos is a primary concern driving the need for refurbishment due to the severe health risks associated with airborne fibers, particularly when exposed to fire or heat. Despite the removal of 700 asbestos items from Parliament in the past five years, the overall number of identified items has continued to increase. Parliamentary authorities stated that their "absolute priority is the safety of the those who work on and visit the parliamentary estate" and outlined plans for enhanced asbestos monitoring, new awareness training, and further removal.
While most of the identified asbestos is classified as low risk due to its concealed location, nearly 200 items are categorized as medium risk, potentially requiring remedial work. Health and safety guidelines from the Executive recommend a precautionary approach to asbestos, especially considering risks from building deterioration, extreme weather events, and disturbances during renovation. Health experts emphasize that asbestos should never be considered low risk. The removal of all asbestos from the building is deemed impractical without demolition or extensive structural damage.
Organizations campaigning on asbestos-related diseases support the implementation of a national asbestos register and the phased removal of asbestos from public buildings. Although asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, it remains present in numerous public structures, contributing to serious illnesses and work-related fatalities. Providing workers with adequate health and safety advice to manage these risks is crucial.