Written question asked by Baroness Finlay of Llandaff (Crossbench) on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 29 April 2026. It was answered by Lord McLoughlin (Conservative) on Tuesday, 28 April 2026 on behalf of the Senior Deputy Speaker (HL).

Palace of Westminster: Fire Prevention

Question: To ask The Senior Deputy Speaker when the last full fire practice evacuation of the Palace of Westminster was undertaken; and what lessons were learnt from it.

Answer: The Senior Deputy Speaker has asked me, as Chair of the Services Committee, to respond on his behalf. The most recent full fire practice evacuation of the Palace of Westminster took place on 19 May 2025, before either House began its sitting. Approximately 1,300 people were evacuated safely and the exercise was completed within a short period, with limited disruption. The evacuation was reviewed by the relevant fire safety teams, and a minor issue relating to the audibility of the fire alarm in certain areas was identified and addressed.

Secondary information