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Notre Dame fire: artworks to be sent to Louvre as donations pour in – live updates Notre Dame fire: artworks to be sent to Louvre as donations pour in – live updates
(32 minutes later)
Any reconstruction of Notre Dame will surely involve fire engineering to protect the iconic building from any future fire, according to Professor Guillermo Rein, Professor of Fire Science, Imperial College London.
He added that fire engineers will then consider a combination of layers of protection (prevention, detection, evacuation, compartmentation, suppression and endurance).
“Note that the previous timber roof that burnt last night was relying only on one single layer: prevention,” he said.
“The roof was known to be flammable, but they avoided the arrival of ignition sources. Unfortunately, it seems that the renovation works might have brought the ignition source which might have caused the accidental initial fire. I think the roof space had no detection, difficult evacuation, no compartmentation, no suppression, and no endurance.”
Julien Le Bras, who works for scaffolding company involved in the renovation of Notre Dame, gave an emotional statement to journalists earlier as well, Kim Willsher reports.
He said his company had worked on a number of historic buildings in France including the Louvre. None of the workers involved in the restoration of the cathedral were at the site when the fire broke out, he added.
“It is with unqualified sadness I am speaking. The police investigation is taking place and our workers will help answer questions with no reserve whatsoever to throw light on the cause of this drama.”
“ At the moment the fire started none of the workers of my company was present at the site. All security and fire requirements were respected.”
Junior interior minister Laurent Nunez has told journalists that the primary preoccupation of the police and fire services was the “security and safety of the building” and identifying weaknesses in Notre Dame’s structure.
“We have identified some vulnerabilities in the structure…notably in the vault and the north transept pinion that needs securing,” he said.
Nunez added this work would take 48 hours nd residents of five buildings around the north transept were being evacuated.
The minister again praised the actions of the Paris Fire Service, who he said had battled “not just outside but inside the building at great risk to their own lives”. There had been 500 firefighters at the scene after the fire broke out who were replaced by another 500 firefighters around midnight.
“They saved the edifice, but it all came down to 15-30 minutes,” he added.
Culture minister Franck Riester added that the religious relics saved from the cathedral, including the Crown of Thorns and Saint Louis’s tune, were being held in security at the Hotel du Ville and the rest of the works of art inside - which had suffered smoke damage - were being taken to the Louvre where they would be dried out, restored and stored.
He added the three beautiful stained-glass “rose” windows “do not appear to be damaged” but would be examined more closely when the cathedral had been made safe.
Architects have identified “three main holes” in the structure, that of the spire, the transept and the vault of the north transept.
The chief architect of Cologne Cathedral says it could take decades to repair the damage caused to Notre Dame by a massive fire.
Peter Fuessenich, who oversees all construction work for the Gothic cathedral in the German city, told broadcaster RTL that “it will certainly take years, perhaps even decades, until the last damage caused by this terrible fire will be completely repaired”.
Cologne Cathedral was heavily damaged during the Second World War and work to repair it is still ongoing more than 70 years later.
Fuessenich called the fire in Paris “a tragedy with a European dimension” as many churches and cathedrals across the continent were inspired by buildings in France.
He said that “when the last stone was set in Notre-Dame, the first one was laid here in Cologne, and in this respect it affects us all very much”. According to Fuessenich, the timbered roof of Cologne Cathedral was replaced with an iron frame during the 19th century, meaning a fire there would be less devastating.
The Anglican priest and journalist Giles Fraser has written for the Guardian, saying that Notre Dame will rise again.
Resurrection is inescapable in Holy Week. Notre Dame will rise again | Giles Fraser
He says:
That Notre Dame caught fire during this of all weeks will never be forgotten. The whole point of a medieval cathedral is that it should be read like a book, telling the Christian story especially for those unable to read. This fire will also be read as a part of the Christian narrative. And it is set to become an integral part of that great church’s story – a defining feature, for generations to come. On Good Friday, the church experiences desolation, the obliteration of hope. And then, on Sunday morning, hope impossibly returns. New life rises from the ashes.
In a message to the French president Emmanuel Macron, the Queen said she and Prince Philip were deeply saddened by the images of fire engulfing Notre Dame Cathedral. She said:In a message to the French president Emmanuel Macron, the Queen said she and Prince Philip were deeply saddened by the images of fire engulfing Notre Dame Cathedral. She said:
I extend my sincere admiration to the emergency services who have risked their lives to try to save this important national monument. My thoughts and prayers are with those who worship at the Cathedral and all of France at this difficult time.I extend my sincere admiration to the emergency services who have risked their lives to try to save this important national monument. My thoughts and prayers are with those who worship at the Cathedral and all of France at this difficult time.
Her Majesty The Queen has sent a message to The President of France following the fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral. Read the full message here: https://t.co/wby58kXzv3Her Majesty The Queen has sent a message to The President of France following the fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral. Read the full message here: https://t.co/wby58kXzv3
Prince Charles said he and the Duchess of Cornwall were “utterly heartbroken” by the fire, which he described as a “shattering tragedy, the unbearable pain of which we all share”.Prince Charles said he and the Duchess of Cornwall were “utterly heartbroken” by the fire, which he described as a “shattering tragedy, the unbearable pain of which we all share”.
My wife and I were utterly heartbroken to learn of the terrible fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral this evening and wanted to let you know immediately how much we are thinking of yourself and the French people at this most agonising of times, and of the emergency services who are so bravely tackling the blaze.My wife and I were utterly heartbroken to learn of the terrible fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral this evening and wanted to let you know immediately how much we are thinking of yourself and the French people at this most agonising of times, and of the emergency services who are so bravely tackling the blaze.
I realise only too well what a truly special significance the Cathedral holds at the heart of your nation; but also for us all outside France it represents one of the greatest architectural achievements of Western Civilisation. It is a treasure for all mankind and, as such, to witness its destruction in this most dreadful conflagration is a shattering tragedy, the unbearable pain of which we all share.I realise only too well what a truly special significance the Cathedral holds at the heart of your nation; but also for us all outside France it represents one of the greatest architectural achievements of Western Civilisation. It is a treasure for all mankind and, as such, to witness its destruction in this most dreadful conflagration is a shattering tragedy, the unbearable pain of which we all share.
Cher Monsieur le President, our hearts go out to you and the people of France more than you can ever know, especially in view of our experience with the devastating fire at Windsor Castle 27 years ago.Cher Monsieur le President, our hearts go out to you and the people of France more than you can ever know, especially in view of our experience with the devastating fire at Windsor Castle 27 years ago.
We send you our most profound sympathy, however inadequate that may be.We send you our most profound sympathy, however inadequate that may be.
Tres cordialement a vous.Tres cordialement a vous.
The Prince of Wales has sent a message to The President of France following the fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral.Read HRH’s message in full:https://t.co/Pm9UGCobHjThe Prince of Wales has sent a message to The President of France following the fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral.Read HRH’s message in full:https://t.co/Pm9UGCobHj
Journalist Na Qing has been monitoring reaction to the fire in China. She reports that it has been receiving some significant coverage in a country that is the source of increasing numbers of visitors to Paris in recent years. But the story remains below the main headlines.Journalist Na Qing has been monitoring reaction to the fire in China. She reports that it has been receiving some significant coverage in a country that is the source of increasing numbers of visitors to Paris in recent years. But the story remains below the main headlines.
Reports in the Chinese language editions of People’s Daily, China Daily and Chinese Global Television Network (CGTN) have summarised events of the past 48 hours.Reports in the Chinese language editions of People’s Daily, China Daily and Chinese Global Television Network (CGTN) have summarised events of the past 48 hours.
Responses from Chinese netizens using platforms such as Wechat have been mixed. Some have compared the fire to the burning of Yuan Mingyuan, the Summer palace of the Qing dynasty, which took place that happened in 1860 during conflict between European and Chinese forces.Responses from Chinese netizens using platforms such as Wechat have been mixed. Some have compared the fire to the burning of Yuan Mingyuan, the Summer palace of the Qing dynasty, which took place that happened in 1860 during conflict between European and Chinese forces.
Others, however, have been expressing deep sadness and described such comparisons as ‘narrow nationalism’.Others, however, have been expressing deep sadness and described such comparisons as ‘narrow nationalism’.
According to statistics from Xie Cheng, one of the largest Chinese travel agencies, Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of the top three European tourism hotspots among Chinese visitors.According to statistics from Xie Cheng, one of the largest Chinese travel agencies, Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of the top three European tourism hotspots among Chinese visitors.
France is the most popular European destination for Chinese tourists, with around 900,000 flocking there in 2011, according to a report in 2012, a figure that was expected to quadruple in the next decade.France is the most popular European destination for Chinese tourists, with around 900,000 flocking there in 2011, according to a report in 2012, a figure that was expected to quadruple in the next decade.
French readers have been getting in touch to share their reactions to the fire and thoughts about what might happen next.French readers have been getting in touch to share their reactions to the fire and thoughts about what might happen next.
Raïnat Aliloiffa, 26, in Paris, says the event is traumatic for all of France but has a hopeful message:Raïnat Aliloiffa, 26, in Paris, says the event is traumatic for all of France but has a hopeful message:
We still can’t believe it. Notre Dame is not only precious for Catholics but for all French people. It’s our cultural heritage. To see nine centuries of history burning like that is traumatic, but history shows that we have gone through a lot of dramas and as always we will get by. Notre Dame is French, but it belongs to the world – and together we will rebuild it.We still can’t believe it. Notre Dame is not only precious for Catholics but for all French people. It’s our cultural heritage. To see nine centuries of history burning like that is traumatic, but history shows that we have gone through a lot of dramas and as always we will get by. Notre Dame is French, but it belongs to the world – and together we will rebuild it.
Reader Maxime, 20, from Istres but studying at Paris-Sorbonne University, said:Reader Maxime, 20, from Istres but studying at Paris-Sorbonne University, said:
It is impossible to fathom that the spire that had stood so high above the capital for what seemed like forever is now a smouldering pile of charred rubble amidst the choir, but I’m glad for everything that has been saved, from the priceless artworks to the historical relics, as well as the majestic stained glass roses.It is impossible to fathom that the spire that had stood so high above the capital for what seemed like forever is now a smouldering pile of charred rubble amidst the choir, but I’m glad for everything that has been saved, from the priceless artworks to the historical relics, as well as the majestic stained glass roses.
I could not be more grateful to the firefighters who did everything they could to preserve the towers and the structure. I think the blaze helped me realise the truly massive scale and sheer size of the building, as well as the feats of craftsmanship that had to be accomplished during its construction, in the midst of the Dark Ages.I could not be more grateful to the firefighters who did everything they could to preserve the towers and the structure. I think the blaze helped me realise the truly massive scale and sheer size of the building, as well as the feats of craftsmanship that had to be accomplished during its construction, in the midst of the Dark Ages.
Camille, 30, also in Paris, references poet Jacques Prévert:Camille, 30, also in Paris, references poet Jacques Prévert:
It has been a very difficult night. It is a terrible accident, but in a way, it is also a symbol of what we let happen to our culture, our heritage and our spirituality. History and culture are not just there to fuel the tourism industry, but should be kept at the centre of people’s lives and at the centre of the state investments. Prévert once said that “we recognised happiness by the noise it made as it left”. We can only hope that we can now recognise the importance of French culture by the noise it made as it went up in flames.It has been a very difficult night. It is a terrible accident, but in a way, it is also a symbol of what we let happen to our culture, our heritage and our spirituality. History and culture are not just there to fuel the tourism industry, but should be kept at the centre of people’s lives and at the centre of the state investments. Prévert once said that “we recognised happiness by the noise it made as it left”. We can only hope that we can now recognise the importance of French culture by the noise it made as it went up in flames.
Junior interior minister Laurent Nuñes has been speaking to journalists. He said the primary preoccupation of the police and fire services was the security and safety of the building and identifying weaknesses in the structure.Junior interior minister Laurent Nuñes has been speaking to journalists. He said the primary preoccupation of the police and fire services was the security and safety of the building and identifying weaknesses in the structure.
“We have identified some vulnerabilities in the structure … notably in the vault and the north transept pinion that needs securing,” Nuñes said.“We have identified some vulnerabilities in the structure … notably in the vault and the north transept pinion that needs securing,” Nuñes said.
He added this work would take 48 hours and residents of five buildings around the north transept were being evacuated.He added this work would take 48 hours and residents of five buildings around the north transept were being evacuated.
Nuñes again praised the actions of the Paris fire service, who had battled “not just outside but inside the building at great risk to their own lives”. There had been 500 firefighters at the scene after the fire broke out who were replaced by another 500 at around midnight, he said.Nuñes again praised the actions of the Paris fire service, who had battled “not just outside but inside the building at great risk to their own lives”. There had been 500 firefighters at the scene after the fire broke out who were replaced by another 500 at around midnight, he said.
“They saved the edifice, but it all came down to 15-30 minutes,” he added.“They saved the edifice, but it all came down to 15-30 minutes,” he added.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez says firefighters risked their lives to save Notre-Dame cathedral.Get live updates as the fire is fully extinguished https://t.co/whyPRRjuVc pic.twitter.com/ph3YCUaz0dFrench Interior Minister Laurent Nunez says firefighters risked their lives to save Notre-Dame cathedral.Get live updates as the fire is fully extinguished https://t.co/whyPRRjuVc pic.twitter.com/ph3YCUaz0d
The culture minister, Franck Riester, added that the religious relics saved from the cathedral, including the Crown of Thorns and Saint Louis’s tune, were being held in security at the Hôtel de Ville and the rest of the works of art inside – which had suffered smoke damage – were being taken to the Louvre where they would be dried out, restored and stored.The culture minister, Franck Riester, added that the religious relics saved from the cathedral, including the Crown of Thorns and Saint Louis’s tune, were being held in security at the Hôtel de Ville and the rest of the works of art inside – which had suffered smoke damage – were being taken to the Louvre where they would be dried out, restored and stored.
He added the three beautiful stained-glass “rose” windows did not appear to be damaged but would be examined more closely when the cathedral had been made safe.He added the three beautiful stained-glass “rose” windows did not appear to be damaged but would be examined more closely when the cathedral had been made safe.
Architects have identified “three main holes” in the structure, that of the spire, the transept and the vault of the north transept.Architects have identified “three main holes” in the structure, that of the spire, the transept and the vault of the north transept.
Julien Le Bras, from the scaffolding company involved in the renovation of Notre Dame, gave an emotional statement to journalists. He said his company had worked on a number of historic buildings in France including the Louvre.Julien Le Bras, from the scaffolding company involved in the renovation of Notre Dame, gave an emotional statement to journalists. He said his company had worked on a number of historic buildings in France including the Louvre.
He said none of the workers involved in the restoration of the cathedral were at the site when the fire broke out.He said none of the workers involved in the restoration of the cathedral were at the site when the fire broke out.
“It is with unqualified sadness I am speaking. The police investigation is taking place and our workers will help answer questions with no reserve whatsoever to throw light on the cause of this drama. At the moment the fire started none of the workers of my company was present at the site. All security and fire requirements were respected.”“It is with unqualified sadness I am speaking. The police investigation is taking place and our workers will help answer questions with no reserve whatsoever to throw light on the cause of this drama. At the moment the fire started none of the workers of my company was present at the site. All security and fire requirements were respected.”
The Pope has tweeted saying he is “united in prayer” with the people of France.The Pope has tweeted saying he is “united in prayer” with the people of France.
Today we unite in prayer with the people of France, as we wait for the sorrow inflicted by the serious damage to be transformed into hope with reconstruction. Holy Mary, Our Lady, pray for us. #NotreDameToday we unite in prayer with the people of France, as we wait for the sorrow inflicted by the serious damage to be transformed into hope with reconstruction. Holy Mary, Our Lady, pray for us. #NotreDame
Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, has reminded people that his own city of Gdansk was 90% destroyed in the second world war only to be completely rebuilt.Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, has reminded people that his own city of Gdansk was 90% destroyed in the second world war only to be completely rebuilt.
I’d like to say words of comfort and solidarity with the French nation, also as citizen of Gdańsk, 90% destroyed and burnt, later rebuilt. You will also rebuild your cathedral!From Strasbourg, French capital of the EU, I call on all 28 States to take part in this task.#NotreDameI’d like to say words of comfort and solidarity with the French nation, also as citizen of Gdańsk, 90% destroyed and burnt, later rebuilt. You will also rebuild your cathedral!From Strasbourg, French capital of the EU, I call on all 28 States to take part in this task.#NotreDame
The British ambassador to France, Ed Llewellyn, has tweeted a tribute to “the bravery and skill of the Paris firefighters, who have worked through the night, and whose efforts have preserved the cathedral’s main structure from the inferno”.The British ambassador to France, Ed Llewellyn, has tweeted a tribute to “the bravery and skill of the Paris firefighters, who have worked through the night, and whose efforts have preserved the cathedral’s main structure from the inferno”.
This morning I went the Elysée Palace to deliver messages to President Macron from Her Majesty The Queen and The Prince of Wales following last night’s terrible fire at Notre Dame Cathedral @RoyalFamily pic.twitter.com/7h7yBijTKYThis morning I went the Elysée Palace to deliver messages to President Macron from Her Majesty The Queen and The Prince of Wales following last night’s terrible fire at Notre Dame Cathedral @RoyalFamily pic.twitter.com/7h7yBijTKY
A huge tribute this morning to the bravery and skill of the Paris firefighters, who have worked through the night - and whose efforts have preserved the Cathedral’s main structure from the inferno pic.twitter.com/53ImcwXkKLA huge tribute this morning to the bravery and skill of the Paris firefighters, who have worked through the night - and whose efforts have preserved the Cathedral’s main structure from the inferno pic.twitter.com/53ImcwXkKL
The structure of Notre Dame is still “sound” while large paintings inside the cathedral are believed to have sustained some smoke damage but are largely intact, government officials have told a press conference.The structure of Notre Dame is still “sound” while large paintings inside the cathedral are believed to have sustained some smoke damage but are largely intact, government officials have told a press conference.
Ministers from the culture and interior ministry paid tribute to the courage of hundreds of firefighters from Paris and surrounding regions who braved dangerous conditions to tackle the blaze.Ministers from the culture and interior ministry paid tribute to the courage of hundreds of firefighters from Paris and surrounding regions who braved dangerous conditions to tackle the blaze.
Specialists from France’s culture ministry are working alongside firefighters, paying close attention to the north of the building.Specialists from France’s culture ministry are working alongside firefighters, paying close attention to the north of the building.
The paintings are likely to be removed to the Louvre on Friday.The paintings are likely to be removed to the Louvre on Friday.
The Notre Dame blaze has stirred memories in the English city of York, where the cathedral of York Minster was badly damaged 35 years ago.The Notre Dame blaze has stirred memories in the English city of York, where the cathedral of York Minster was badly damaged 35 years ago.
“York Minster has lost three of its four medieval wood roofs to fire,” said Prof Tim Ayers, from the University of York’s department of art history.“York Minster has lost three of its four medieval wood roofs to fire,” said Prof Tim Ayers, from the University of York’s department of art history.
“It remains to be seen how well the Notre Dame vaults have done their job, but preliminary pictures suggest that they have survived, at least in part, protecting the interior.”“It remains to be seen how well the Notre Dame vaults have done their job, but preliminary pictures suggest that they have survived, at least in part, protecting the interior.”
His colleague, Dr Jez Wells, from the department of music, said: “I remember when first working as a recording engineer, capturing chant in Notre Dame Cathedral and noting its incredible reverberation. The building’s reverberation, its own response to sounds made within it, is so strong and rich that it really seemed as if the ghosts of its past were coming out of the walls and singing along.His colleague, Dr Jez Wells, from the department of music, said: “I remember when first working as a recording engineer, capturing chant in Notre Dame Cathedral and noting its incredible reverberation. The building’s reverberation, its own response to sounds made within it, is so strong and rich that it really seemed as if the ghosts of its past were coming out of the walls and singing along.
“It was a light bulb moment in my appreciation and grasp of sound and recording. The fire damage to the roof of the building means that it can no longer make those same responses to sound that it has been making for over 800 years, which is tragic indeed.“It was a light bulb moment in my appreciation and grasp of sound and recording. The fire damage to the roof of the building means that it can no longer make those same responses to sound that it has been making for over 800 years, which is tragic indeed.
“Sound reverberation could be considered a niche topic, but when you listen to the sounds that Notre Dame makes, you realise the power in its audible rendition of space, geometry, fabric and time.”“Sound reverberation could be considered a niche topic, but when you listen to the sounds that Notre Dame makes, you realise the power in its audible rendition of space, geometry, fabric and time.”
There’s no shortage of conspiracy theories about the cause of the fire doing the rounds on social media, but one was very quickly and effectively shut down during an interview on Fox News.There’s no shortage of conspiracy theories about the cause of the fire doing the rounds on social media, but one was very quickly and effectively shut down during an interview on Fox News.
Philippe Karsenty, the deputy mayor of Neuilly-sur-Seine and a long-time rightwing activist, began by referring to churches being desecrated every week across France.Philippe Karsenty, the deputy mayor of Neuilly-sur-Seine and a long-time rightwing activist, began by referring to churches being desecrated every week across France.
He then said of the Notre Dame fire: “Of course, you will hear the story about political correctness which will tell you it was probably an accident.”He then said of the Notre Dame fire: “Of course, you will hear the story about political correctness which will tell you it was probably an accident.”
But the Fox News anchor Shep Smith interupted, telling him: “Sir, we are not going to speculate here about the cause of something you don’t know. If you have observations or you know something we would love to hear it.”But the Fox News anchor Shep Smith interupted, telling him: “Sir, we are not going to speculate here about the cause of something you don’t know. If you have observations or you know something we would love to hear it.”
Karsenty then said people needed “to be ready”, and Smith told him: “No sir, we are not doing that here. Not on my watch.”Karsenty then said people needed “to be ready”, and Smith told him: “No sir, we are not doing that here. Not on my watch.”
Karsenty was convicted of defamation in 2013 for accusing a state television network of staging a video that depicted a Palestinian boy being killed in a firefight between Palestinian militants and Israeli forces.Karsenty was convicted of defamation in 2013 for accusing a state television network of staging a video that depicted a Palestinian boy being killed in a firefight between Palestinian militants and Israeli forces.
The Queen has sent a message to President Macron, saying she was “deeply saddened to see the images of the fire which has engulfed Notre Dame Cathedral”.The Queen has sent a message to President Macron, saying she was “deeply saddened to see the images of the fire which has engulfed Notre Dame Cathedral”.
“I extend my sincere admiration to the emergency services who have risked their lives to try to save this important national monument,” she said a statement posted on the British royal family’s website and Facebook.“I extend my sincere admiration to the emergency services who have risked their lives to try to save this important national monument,” she said a statement posted on the British royal family’s website and Facebook.
“My thoughts and prayers are with those who worship at the cathedral and all of France at this difficult time.”“My thoughts and prayers are with those who worship at the cathedral and all of France at this difficult time.”
It’s been almost 27 years since Windsor Castle, one of the Queen’s official residences, was wrecked by fire. After a £36.5m repair job involving 1,500 workers the 14th-century building reopened in 1997.It’s been almost 27 years since Windsor Castle, one of the Queen’s official residences, was wrecked by fire. After a £36.5m repair job involving 1,500 workers the 14th-century building reopened in 1997.
Police are interviewing workers from the companies involved in the renovation of the cathedral to establish the cause of fire, according to the Paris public prosecutor, Rémy Heitz.Police are interviewing workers from the companies involved in the renovation of the cathedral to establish the cause of fire, according to the Paris public prosecutor, Rémy Heitz.
The Guardian’s Kim Willsher tweets some updates:The Guardian’s Kim Willsher tweets some updates:
Heitz added that first alarm raised at 18h20 but no fire found. Second alert at 18h43 fire discovered. In meantime, those inside #NotreDame where mass taking place evacuated. Says investigation will be "long and complex" and 50 police officers on the case. 2/2Heitz added that first alarm raised at 18h20 but no fire found. Second alert at 18h43 fire discovered. In meantime, those inside #NotreDame where mass taking place evacuated. Says investigation will be "long and complex" and 50 police officers on the case. 2/2
MPs are warning that the Palace of Westminster is at critical risk of a fire that could prove as devastating as the blaze at Notre Dame Cathedral unless rapid action is taken to update parliament’s crumbling interior.MPs are warning that the Palace of Westminster is at critical risk of a fire that could prove as devastating as the blaze at Notre Dame Cathedral unless rapid action is taken to update parliament’s crumbling interior.
A multibillion-pound programme of restoration and renewal is to start in the mid-2020s after MPs and peers voted last year to move out of the building for the work to be carried out.A multibillion-pound programme of restoration and renewal is to start in the mid-2020s after MPs and peers voted last year to move out of the building for the work to be carried out.
Fire safety teams constantly patrol the neo-Gothic building, which caught fire 40 times between 2008 and 2012; the small fires being quickly put out by wardens.Fire safety teams constantly patrol the neo-Gothic building, which caught fire 40 times between 2008 and 2012; the small fires being quickly put out by wardens.
In 2016, the Guardian reported that a malfunctioning light on an obscure part of the roof caused an electrical fire that could have spread rapidly had it not been detected.In 2016, the Guardian reported that a malfunctioning light on an obscure part of the roof caused an electrical fire that could have spread rapidly had it not been detected.
‘A tale of decay’: the Houses of Parliament are falling down‘A tale of decay’: the Houses of Parliament are falling down