A man holding a Palestinian flag has been seen climbing up the Big Ben as Scotland Yard closes one side of Westminster Bridge.
Social media videos show a barefoot man stood on a ledge of the Elizabeth Tower holding a Palestinian flag.
The man reportedly shouted “free Palestine”. Nine emergency service vehicles arrived at the scene to restore order in Westminster.
Confirming the incident, a Met Police spokesman said: “At 7.24am on Saturday March 8 officers were alerted to a man climbing up the Elizabeth Tower at the Houses of Parliament.
Videos show a barefoot man stood on a ledge of the Elizabeth Tower holding a Palestinian flag
GB News
“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.”
The Metropolitan Police added that Bridge Street has been closed to allow the emergency services to deal with the incident.
A spokesman for London Fire Brigade (LFB) said firefighters are responding to the incident alongside police.
The spokesman added that crews from Lambeth, Chelsea, Soho and Islington fire stations have been deployed.
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At least nine emergency service vehicles are lining the street as crowds look on from beyond a police cordon.
A fire engine has now raised a cherry picker to the same height as where the man is sitting.
Three people standing on the crane appear to be speaking with the man.
This is not the first time Palestine protesters have targeted the landmark tourist attraction – in February 2024, activists beamed the phrase “from the river to the sea” onto the Elizabeth Tower.
Palestine Action targeted US President Donald Trump’s golf course in Turnberry, Scotland overnight
PALESTINE ACTION
The slogan has been branded as “genocidal” by Jewish leaders and senior politicians.
The incident in Westminster comes just hours after Palestine Action targeted US President Donald Trump’s golf course in Turnberry, Scotland, overnight.
Photos on the group’s X shows the words “Gaza is not for sale” spray painted across the golf course, as well as “f**k Trump” on one of the barriers.
Palestine Action said: “Whilst Trump attempts to treat Gaza as his own property, he should know his own property is within reach.”
