9 Jul 2009

British Parliament leaks after heavy storms

12:00 pm on 9 July 2009

The Palace of Westminster - the home of the British Parliament - has been hit by storms.

Wastepaper bins were pressed into action to catch rainwater after a big downpour.

A corridor leading from the central lobby to the House of Lords was closed.

The problem was not confined to the 19th century Parliament building.

Leaks were also reported at Portcullis House, an office complex for MPs which opened in 2000.

Portcullis House is across the road from the Houses of Parliament. The BBC reports it was plagued by problems including a leaking roof and malfunctioning lifts before its opening.