The next Notre Dame inferno': fears as parliament restoration is delayed

Parliament could become the next "Notre Dame inferno", a former Commons leader has warned, as it was confirmed new plans for the multibillion restoration would not be published until the end of next year.

- Jessica Elgot

Peter Hain, who was a cabinet minister under Tony Blair and leader of the House 2003-05, said the restoration of the Paris cathedral showed how fast work could be done when politicians acted decisively.

He said that the confirmation by John Gardiner, the senior deputy speaker in the Lords, that the new plans would only be available later in the year were "another kick of the can further down the road."

"The mother of parliaments, a world heritage site, is ripe for becoming a Notre Dame inferno unless MPs and peers act immediately," Lord Hain told the Guardian.

"Both Houses made their decision to decant, repair and modernise many years ago. Yet the procrastination goes on despite the assessment that decanting is the cheaper option. It would save billions. President Macron acted decisively to rebuild and restore Notre Dame. We should do the same with Westminster."

The proposals will include plans for three options - a full decant of the Palace of Westminster, a continued presence in the building for some parliamentarians or for a rolling programme of enhanced maintenance and improvement.