Anger as Commons committee refuse calls to let Big Ben ring out for Brexit
BREXITEERS are furious after a Commons committee ruled against letting Big Ben ring out to mark Britain’s departure from the European Union – claiming it is not “an important national event”.
Only Armistice Day, Remembrance Sunday and New Year warrant the bongs, the House of Commons Commission has indicated.
Currently, the world-famous bell has been silenced to protect the eardrums of workers carrying out a £60million restoration of Parliament’s Great Clock and Elizabeth Tower but can ring out for special occasions.
Tory MP Nigel Evans blamed the Remainers within Parliament for the “hugely disappointing” vote.
He said: “This is people pretending we are not leaving. We are.”
And leading pro-Brexit Tory Jacob Rees-Mogg said: “It just shows the Commons authorities have no imagination. We will still leave the EU whether Big Ben bongs or not.”
A Commons spokesman said: “As previously announced, during refurbishment works Parliament’s specialist clock makers will ensure Big Ben will still strike for important national events such as Remembrance Sunday and New Year’s Eve.”
The Government has set 11pm – midnight on the continent – on March 29, 2019 as the date for Britain to formally leave the EU.
But as the UK will be tied to existing EU rules until at least the end of 2020, December 31 of that year could be when Big Ben finally celebrates fulfilling the promise of the 2016 referendum.
Meanwhile, Chancellor Philip Hammond yesterday hit back at Brussels after an anonymous minister told journalists Britain’s approach to Brexit was “a fantasy”.
They also claimed there had been little progress in this week’s talks.
But Mr Hammond said: “We are having very constructive discussions. Everybody I have engaged with has been keen to move forward.
“We are conscious of the ticking clock and the need to make progress for the June European Council and that is what we are here to do.”
His words came as International Trade Secretary Liam Fox flew to the Middle East to promote Britain as the leading European trade destination post-Brexit.
On a three-day visit to Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, Dr Fox will meet foreign investors to discuss nearly 70 British projects worth £30billion. He said: “The UK is in a great position to trade with the world, creating jobs and prosperity.”