Palace of Westminster: Restoration and Renewal

Lord Freyberg Excerpts

Wednesday 25th June 2025 Lords Chamber

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

My Lords, they are both very serious matters which go back to the independent report on security and the need to enhance the security of the West Front following the death of PC Palmer. The backdrop is a security imperative. I will say next Wednesday that what has happened to our front door is entirely unacceptable. This has not been a project that anyone should be proud of, but we need to enhance our security, for reasons that many of us regret but which are necessary in the world in which we live.

It is important that we learn lessons from what other Parliaments are doing. That is why we are in dialogue with the Austrians, the Dutch and the Canadians, where they have had experience of renovation of Parliaments, and, in our own country, with Buckingham Palace and Manchester Town Hall.

[Lord Freyberg (CB)]

My Lords, what assessment has been made of the required skills and crafts training associated with the refurbishment and renewal of the Palace of Westminster? What steps are being taken to ensure that the project supports a long-term legacy for traditional heritage crafts, apprenticeships—which the noble Lord mentioned—and sustainable construction?

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

My Lords, that is very important. The delivery authority is aware of the need to target the recruitment of apprentices, particularly into roles where there are known skills shortages. The delivery authority is currently exploring and implementing a shared apprenticeship scheme across heritage client organisations. This project and this great enterprise will enable us to involve a lot of experience which we desperately need in terms of masonry, joinery, glazing, and all sorts of heritage skills which were in short supply. Restoring this Palace will be a great opportunity for that.