The £5billion palace restoration that can no longer be ignored...

THE Houses of Parliament have been branded a near “death trap” which require a constant battle to keep in working order for staff and visitors.

There has been an increase in incidents of falling stonework, while many MPs tell of unpleasant lavatory pipework leaks into their Commons offices.

A massive refurbishment is planned, billed as the biggest and most complex renovation of any single building in Britain’s history.

MPs and peers agreed earlier this year they would move out temporarily to allow the wholesale restoration to be carried out in a single phase, seen as the most cost-efficient solution.

Yet despite warnings dating back to 2000 that major work was needed on the palace’s ageing fabric, plumbing and electrics, the “restoration and renewal” project is not due to start until the mid-2020s at the earliest.

Governments have been accused of dragging their feet over protecting the Grade I listed building, for fear of angering voters over the final bill.

The restoration project is currently costed at £5.6billion.

Former Tory cabinet minister Damian Green told a Commons debate earlier this year: “It might be an exaggeration to say that Parliament is a death trap – but it’s not a wild exaggeration.”

The iconic Gothic building was built in 1870 to replace its predecessor, which was destroyed by fire in 1834.

Its oldest part, Westminster Hall which was built in 1099, still stands.