Negotiators are making urgent appeals to a man who has climbed several meters up the clock tower of Big Ben as darkness descends. The daring individual, who initiated his ascent around 7:20 am on Saturday, is currently perched on a ledge holding a Palestine flag. Despite numerous efforts by emergency crews and negotiators to coax him down, he remained steadfast in his decision not to descend as of 6:45 pm. In a video shared on Instagram, he declares his intention to come down “on his own terms.” The footage also captures negotiators expressing concerns about a potential foot injury, noting the presence of blood and insufficiently warm clothing as temperatures plummet with the setting sun. Undeterred, the man reassures them of his safety, asserting, “I will come down on my own terms. If you come towards me, you are putting me in danger, and I will climb higher.”
Expert Concerns and Parliamentary Reaction
Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty has raised questions about the security breach that allowed the man to access the parliamentary estate without detection. Expressing disbelief at the absence of armed police officers, he demands a thorough explanation for the lapse in security measures. He emphasizes the need for accountability, urging a comprehensive briefing for Members of Parliament and staff to shed light on the protester’s seamless entry into the restricted area.
A parliamentary spokesperson acknowledges the incident, disclosing that it is under the jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Police, supported by the London Fire Brigade and the London Ambulance Service. While emphasizing Parliament’s unwavering commitment to security, the spokesperson refrains from divulging specific security protocols or responses. Regrettably, tours of the parliamentary estate had to be canceled in light of the ongoing situation.
Ongoing Developments and Public Response
Westminster Bridge and Bridge Street remain closed to traffic, with affected London bus routes still operating on diversion. Despite an initial gathering of onlookers along the cordons, the crowds have since dispersed, leaving a more subdued atmosphere in their wake. Meanwhile, shouts of “Free Palestine” and accolades of “You are a hero” echo from a small group of supporters stationed behind the police cordon at Victoria Embankment, demonstrating solidarity with the man’s cause.
In a past incident in 2019, an Extinction Rebellion activist disguised in a blond wig was apprehended after scaling the scaffolding encircling the clock tower. The daring act mirrored another climber’s stunt in the same year when tree surgeon Ben Atkinson, masquerading as Boris Johnson, ascended the scaffolding around Big Ben. Dressed to impersonate the Prime Minister with a wig, shirt, jacket, and tie, Atkinson remained atop Elizabeth Tower for approximately three and a half hours before authorities successfully persuaded him to descend.
As negotiators persist in their efforts to resolve the current standoff peacefully, the scene at Big Ben remains tense yet hopeful, with a diverse array of reactions and responses underscoring the complexity of the situation. The ongoing dialogue between the man and authorities underscores the delicate balance between security concerns and individual agency, encapsulating a moment of high drama in the heart of London’s iconic landmarks.
