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Committee publication · Correspondence · 21 April 2026 · HC 755

Correspondence with the Restoration and Renewal Client Board relating to the Access to the House of Commons and its Procedures report

From: Modernisation Committee

Inquiry: Access to the House of Commons and its Procedures

Summary

The Modernisation Committee Chair writes to the Restoration and Renewal Client Board co-chairs following publication of the committee's Access to the House of Commons report. The letter underscores that accessibility must be a key priority in any Palace of Westminster restoration option, ensuring Members, staff and visitors have equitable access and the building does not present participation barriers.

Key findings

  • The Modernisation Committee's Access inquiry generated 15 recommendations informed by evidence from Members, staff, and external experts across oral evidence, written submissions, and engagement activities.
  • The committee outlined three detailed restoration and renewal options from the March 2024 joint Houses Commission report and concluded accessibility must remain central regardless of which option is chosen.
  • Improved accessibility has been cited as a key benefit of renovating the Palace of Westminster, making it integral to restoration planning.
  • The inquiry focused on short to medium-term deliverable changes ahead of restoration and renewal, with accessibility identified as a priority issue in the call for views consultation.

Tone

Procedural

Topics

parliamentary-accessibilitypalace-of-westminster-restorationbuilding-accessparliamentary-procedure

Key actors

Sir Alan Campbell MP, Judith Cummins, Lord McFall of Alcluith, Modernisation Committee, Restoration and Renewal Client Board

Notable line

“Members, staff and visitors must have equitable access to the home of our democracy and must never be made to feel like that the building itself presents barriers to their participation.”

Key Quotes

“… accessibility must remain a key priority for the renovated Palace of Westminster on any of the options chosen”
— Sir Alan Campbell MP · addressing restoration and renewal planning
“Members, staff and visitors must have equitable access to the home of our democracy and must never be made to feel like that the building itself presents barriers to their participation”
— Sir Alan Campbell MP · core principle for Palace renovation
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Source · parliament.uk record ↗

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