Commons speaker orders security review after Big Ben clock tower incident

The speaker of the House of Commons has ordered a security review after a man scaled the Big Ben clock tower.

A 29-year-old man is accused of scaling Elizabeth Tower barefoot at around 7.20am on Saturday. He is reported to have come down just after midnight on Sunday.

In a statement delivered before the beginning of House business on Monday, Sir Lindsay Hoyle said he wanted to ensure “lessons are learnt” following the incident.

The speaker said: “The safety and security of all those who work on and visit the parliamentary estate is my top priority.

“I’ve asked for a review to be undertaken of Saturday’s incident. I will ensure lessons are learnt from it.

“I want to thank all those who were involved in helping to ensure Saturday’s incident was resolved safely. An individual has been charged.”

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