May weighs in to Big Ben bongs ding-dong

Parliament will review plans to silence Big Ben for four years during renovation work after Theresa May joined the growing backlash against the move.

The Prime Minister said “it can’t be right” for the Great Bell to be stopped for such a long period and called on Commons Speaker John Bercow to “urgently” look again at the timescale.

When MPS return from their summer break, the House of Commons Commission will “consider” how long the bongs should be halted following concerns raised “by a number of MPS”. A House of Commons spokesman said: “When Parliament returns, in light of concerns expressed by a number of MPS, the House of Commons Commission will consider the length of time that the bells will fall silent.

“Of course, any discussion will focus on undertaking the work efficiently, protecting the health and safety of those involved, and seeking to ensure resumption of normal service as soon as is practicable given those requirements.”