Parts of the palace estate, a Unesco world heritage site, are almost 1,000 years old. Photograph: Andy RainThe Palace of Westminster, including the House of Commons, the House of Lords and Big Ben, is an unmistakable symbol of Britain. Parts of the palace estate, a Unesco world heritage site, are almost 1,000 years old. That would still be fine if the pre-Victorian heating system worked properly – but, of course, it doesn’t. The parliamentary authorities have long known they have a serious problem with the crumbling Westminster estate.

Source: The Irish Times February 11, 2026 14:01 UTC