Lindsay Hoyle calls for urgent action on Parliament restoration delays

House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has expressed frustration over ongoing delays to the restoration of the Parliament building, BBC News reported on 7 November 2026. The intervention follows warnings from a committee stating that it is crunch time for the deteriorating estate. Sir Lindsay pressed for immediate measures to address the delays affecting the historic structure. [1][2]

Sir Lindsay specifically questioned why a fire suppressing mist system has not yet been installed throughout the entire building despite his years of advocacy, BBC News reported. He stated that the major and most historic sections of Parliament still lack the safety system. BBC News noted that a report revealed much of the building's infrastructure of wires and pipes dates back to the 1940s, with some parts remaining from the Victorian era. [1][2]

The Speaker of the House of Commons serves as the presiding officer of the lower house of the United Kingdom Parliament. Sir Lindsay Hoyle was elected to the role on 4 November 2019, succeeding John Bercow, and began his first full parliamentary term on 17 December 2019 after being unanimously re-elected. [4]

As FTMQ News reported earlier, previous assessments showed more than 1,650 asbestos items identified across the parliamentary estate. The Commons public accounts committee previously warned that each year of restoration delay costs taxpayers £420m, with overall refurbishment costs potentially reaching £40bn over 61 years. [8]

Addressing reports that Parliament may vote on a restoration plan before the end of 2026, Sir Lindsay told BBC News that the timing remains a matter for government business managers. He said it remains to be seen when the issue will be brought forward for the House to decide. [1][2]