Lord Hain warns Palace of Westminster risks "Notre Dame inferno" due to fire hazards, delayed restoration.

Former UK cabinet minister Lord Hain has warned that the Palace of Westminster could face a "Notre Dame inferno" due to 45 fire incidents over the past decade. Concerns over cost and public support have delayed the restoration plan agreed in 2018, which involves temporarily relocating both Houses of Parliament. The restoration, aimed at preventing irreversible damage, is estimated to cost between £7 billion and £22 billion, with options expected to be finalized by the end of 2025.