Man charged after climbing Big Ben's Elizabeth Tower

A man has been charged by police after climbing the Elizabeth Tower, known as Big Ben, at the Palace of Westminster in central London on Saturday. The incident led to the closure of Westminster Bridge, along with an exit from Westminster Underground station and Bridge Street. Tours of the Houses of Parliament were also cancelled as a result.

According to the Metropolitan Police, the man is named Daniel Day, 29, and resides on Palmerston Road in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex. He has been charged with causing a public nuisance and trespassing on a protected site, specifically for climbing the clock tower. He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday.

On Saturday at 07:24 GMT, emergency services received reports of a protester climbing the tower, carrying a Palestinian flag. The barefoot man remained on a ledge several meters above the ground for over 16 hours before being brought down in a cherry picker as Big Ben struck midnight.

Westminster Police stated on Sunday that the man was arrested after landing, following what they described as a "protracted incident." A small group of supporters gathered behind the cordon below the tower, chanting "Free Palestine" and "You're a hero."