Photography, filming and mobile phone use
The Parliamentary Estate is a working environment with a range of security measures in place, and has works of art which are subject to copyright. Therefore photography, filming and mobile phone use by visitors is restricted.
Photography and filming for personal, non-commercial purposes
Members of the public visiting UK Parliament for tours and other reasons are welcome to take photos for personal, non-commercial purposes in Westminster Hall and St Stephen’s Hall. Photography is also permitted in the visitor area of New Palace Yard which provides views of the Elizabeth Tower.
The use of cameras and mobile phones is not permitted in other parts of the tour routes or in the public galleries. In consideration of other visitors, mobile phones should be switched off during tours.
Visitors attending events and meetings may be able to take photographs in certain rooms with the permission of the Sponsor. Please check before taking photographs.
The privacy of those who work or visit UK Parliament must always be respected.
These rules are applicable to filming and photography on all devices including cameras, phones and tablet computers, and also extend to sound recording, painting and sketching. Tripods must not be used at any time.
A wide selection of images are available in the guidebooks ‘The Palace of Westminster’ and ‘Big Ben and the Elizabeth Tower’. Images may also be downloaded from Parliament’s Flickr page.
Photography and filming for wider publication
Requests for photography and filming for wider publication must be made and agreed in advance.
For location filming requests in the House of Commons, including the Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) please contact the Media and Communications Team by email.
For location filming and photography requests in the House of Lords, please contact Black Rod’s Office on 020 7219 3099.
