Written questions

House of Lords: Fire Prevention

2026-07-16 · The Senior Deputy Speaker · HL2243 · Official question

Baroness Coffey

Question

To ask The Senior Deputy Speaker what advice was given to the decision-makers on the reasons for and rationale behind suspending proceedings and evacuating the House of Lords while the Chamber was sitting on 2 July.

Answer

The Senior Deputy Speaker has asked me, as Chair of the Services Committee, to respond on his behalf. Key stakeholders including the Clerks, both Speakers and the Chief Whips were advised that a full evacuation of the Palace of Westminster, including bot...