Big Ben could get its bongs back

THE bongs of Big Ben could be restored after MPs agreed to review the health and safety rules that led to its silencing.

Although the ban will remain ‘for the time being’, officials will look into restoring its tolls. MPs were furious at the decision to silence Big Ben to protect workers’ hearing during four years of restoration work. The historic bell has rung out for nearly 160 years.

Theresa May said it could not be right that the bongs would not be heard for years. The 13.7-tonne Great Bell will not sound again regularly until 2021 – the longest period of silence in its history.