Peers’ Entrance Security Door

Lord Robathan Excerpts

Wednesday 2nd July 2025 Lords Chamber

Asked by

[Lord Robathan]

To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker what assessment he has made of the costs of the recent works on the security door to Peers’ Entrance.

[The Senior Deputy Speaker (Lord Gardiner of Kimble)]

My Lords, it is unacceptable that the Peers’ Entrance does not operate as it should. The commission has directed urgent work to resolve this. The commission agreed an exception to release the costs of the work at Peers’ Entrance, particularly as much of the cost relates to building and infrastructure works. The total cost has been £9.6 million. The cost to remedy defects will not be borne by the House and will be met by Parliament’s contractors.

[Lord Robathan (Con)]

My Lords, I do not hold the Senior Deputy Speaker responsible for this scandal, but it is a scandalous waste of public money. Who gave the security advice on the useless door and the ridiculous and ineffective fence? I was on the Joint Committee on security for some five years. We never discussed that at all. Who was responsible and who is accountable, by name, for the huge increase of nearly 50% in spending on the door? It is now nearly £10 million for a door that does not work. Somebody accountable should be identified and should perhaps resign for this terrible waste of public money.