“Big Ben” goes silent.. for the next four years and many Londoners aren’t happy – PB/TK
Big Ben Falls Silent and British Politicians Can’t Stop Arguing About It – By Rachel Lewis / Aug 21 2017
The bell inside London’s most famous clocktower, Big Ben, rang one last time at noon on Monday before it fell silent for essential repair works.
The world famous bell was supposed to have gone unrung until 2021 to protect the ears of those carrying out works on the building, but some British politicians have complained that health and safety rules have obscured a symbol of British resilience.
Steve Pound, a member of parliament (MP) for the opposition Labour Party, told one British newspaper: “They kept the bells tolling through the Blitz. The Luftwaffe could not stop it but health and safety has. There has to be a way around.” Ex-minister and Conservative MP Shailesh Vara said: “I would have thought some compromise could have been reached to ensure this iconic bell’s presence.”
Continue to time.com article:
