Business of the House

John Lamont Excerpts

Thursday 15th October 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

Let me join the House in wishing my hon. Friend a happy birthday. On leasehold reform, we are committed to ending the feudal leasehold system and bringing forward legislation to deliver that as quickly as possible; as the Prime Minister said at conference, it is a priority for him. That is about implementing the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 and going further. If my hon. Friend wishes to begin making a strong case before any further legislation comes forward, I suggest that an Adjournment or Westminster Hall debate would be well attended.

[John Lamont (Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk) (Con)]

As the Leader of the House will be aware, the recent works to Carriage Gates here at Westminster cost the taxpayer over £62 million, which was significantly over budget. It has now been brought to my attention that fire engines may not be able to get through the new gates. Will he undertake urgently to investigate that further? Will he assure us that arrangements will be put in place so that fire engines can get into the Palace of Westminster if there is a fire?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I am very concerned to hear that, and I simply hope it is not true, but I will go away and investigate. There is a House of Commons Commission meeting on Monday, where perhaps we can raise this question to get reassurances. The hon. Gentleman underlines the importance of making sure that we get on with restoration and renewal and address some of these issues. There is a huge fire risk in this place. That is not over-egging it—there just is that risk. I hope that what he raises is not true, but I will take the matter away, think about it and find out whether it is true.