A barefoot protester carrying a Palestinian flag remains perched on Elizabeth Tower, home to Big Ben, after scaling the structure early Saturday morning.
Emergency services, including the Metropolitan Police, London Fire Brigade, and London Ambulance Service, have been on the scene since 7:20 AM, attempting to bring the man down safely. Negotiators have been engaging with him for hours, expressing concerns over his apparent foot injury and the dropping temperatures after sunset.
Protester Refuses to Come Down
In a video posted on Instagram, the protester insists he will descend “on his own terms” and warns officers not to approach him. Footage captured shows him:
- Walking along Westminster Bridge early in the morning
- Breaking into the Houses of Parliament before beginning his climb
- Chanting “Free, free Palestine” from the tower
Emergency personnel using an aerial ladder platform have attempted to speak to him, noting that his foot is bleeding significantly and that his clothing is insufficient for the cold weather.
“I am saying I am safe. If you come towards me, you are putting me in danger, and I will climb higher,” he told negotiators.
Security Concerns Raised
The incident has prompted concerns about security at Parliament, with MP Ben Obese-Jecty demanding answers about how the man managed to breach security and climb the tower.
“Every day in Parliament, I see dozens of armed police officers patrolling the estate. Where were they today?” he wrote on social media.
Public and Political Reaction
A pro-Palestinian crowd has gathered near Westminster, chanting in support of the protester. Meanwhile, police have blocked a separate pro-Palestinian march planned in central London, citing concerns about disruption near a synagogue during Shabbat services.
A Parliamentary spokesperson confirmed that tours of the estate have been cancelled due to the incident.
The Met Police issued a statement, saying:
“Officers are at the scene, working to bring the incident to a safe conclusion. They are being assisted by the London Fire Brigade and the London Ambulance Service.
Road Closures and Transport Disruptions
- Bridge Street and Westminster Bridge (north end) remain closed.
- Bus routes 3, 11, 12, 148, and 453 have been diverted.
- One exit at Westminster Tube Station is shut, but train services remain unaffected.
What’s Next?
The standoff has now lasted for over 12 hours, with no indication of when the protester intends to descend. Authorities remain on high alert, working to resolve the situation peacefully while investigating security lapses that allowed the breach.
