Westminster shut due to fire fumes

Parts of the Palace of Westminster were closed off today due to fumes from a fire.

The small blaze is understood to have been in a room at the House of Commons end of the building in the early hours of the morning.

Sources at the palace said there was no significant damage but areas were being cordoned off because of the potential danger from toxic substances such as asbestos.

Areas including the Commons chamber were off-limits to members of the public as a result.