Man Climbs Big Ben Waving Palestinian Flag, Threatens to Climb Even Higher
Westminster Bridge Shut Amid Dramatic Rescue Efforts
A barefoot protester has been clinging to the iconic Elizabeth Tower, often called Big Ben, for almost six hours. He’s waving a Palestinian flag and refusing to come down as emergency crews scramble to bring him down safely.
The man scaled the tower at around 7:00am this Saturday, sparking a major police and fire brigade response. Westminster Bridge has been closed in both directions since early morning, causing chaos on the roads.
Roads Closed and Public Transport Disrupted
- Westminster Bridge is shut to all traffic.
- Five bus routes (3, 11, 12, 148, 453) have been diverted.
- One exit at Westminster Tube Station is closed, though trains still run as normal.
- Parliamentary tours are cancelled for the day.
Protester Injured, Defiant and Threatening to Climb Higher
The man, dressed in black, has injured his foot and is bleeding, according to online videos and images. In a live-streamed Instagram video, he warned of climbing even higher if police use “weaponised horses” against growing pro-Palestinian supporters gathered in Parliament Square.
“I’m very surprised this was even possible. Parliament is one of the most surveilled locations in Europe. This could have been an inside job,” said security expert Professor Anthony Glees to Sky News.
Emergency Services Plead for the Man to Come Down
At around 10:00am, London Fire Brigade sent a cherry picker with three responders who tried to talk the man down via megaphone.
“Your message has been heard – ‘Free Palestine’ – but at some point, you have to come down,” urged a woman from the rescue team.
Despite this, he remains defiant as scores of pro-Palestinian supporters cheer and chant “Free Palestine” nearby.
Met Police and Parliamentary Security Respond
A Parliamentary Security spokesperson said:
“We are aware of an incident on the Parliamentary Estate, which is being handled by the Metropolitan Police, assisted by the London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service. Parliament takes security extremely seriously, but we do not comment on specific security measures.”
The Metropolitan Police added:
“At 7:24am on Saturday, officers were alerted to a man climbing Elizabeth Tower. They remain at the scene, working to bring the incident to a safe conclusion, assisted by the London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service.”
Security Concerns Mount Over How Protester Got In
The incident has raised serious questions about how the protester managed to evade tight security to climb one of Britain’s most protected landmarks. No arrests or charges have been announced so far.
Protest Sparks Wider Demonstration
The Big Ben stunt comes just hours before a planned pro-Palestine protest near BBC headquarters at Portland Place, scheduled for 1pm today.
Supporters continue to gather outside Parliament Square, waving flags and urging the man to stay strong.
