MPs hit back at decision to SILENCE Big Ben for FOUR years over renovations
GETTY Big Ben will be silenced for four years from next Monday for restoration work
MPs from the committee that originally approved the renovation suggested they were astonished to find it meant Big Ben would not be heard for such a long period of time. Big Ben’s famous bongs will be silenced for four years next week to protect workers who are renovating the Elizabeth Tower that houses the Great Clock and its bell. The world renowned chimes, which captivate thousands of tourists each year, will fall silent after sounding at noon on Monday August 21 and will not begin again regularly until 2021. Conservative MP James Gray, who sat on the administration committee that first approved the work in 2015, said he regretted the committee’s decision to approve the works.
He also claimed that there was never any indication that the works would mean Big Ben would be out of action for so long. Mr Gray said: “This is entirely bonkers. It is ridiculous to silence the bell for four years. “I am very sceptical about the whole thing. What is the point in putting in a lift that will only go as far as three-quarters of the way up?”
GETTY This will be the longest period Big Ben has been silenced in its 157-year history
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Sir Paul Beresford, a Conservative MP who chaired the administration committee, also raised concern over the need to silence the bells for such a long period despite admitting that the renovation work was vital. Speaking about when the committee is reconvened, he said: “We will have serious questions about why the bongs will be stopped for four years.” This will be the longest period Big Ben has been silenced in its 157-year history.
GETTY The bells will still ring out for important national events