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Big Ben Climb Costs Taxpayers £67,000, Court Hears

Court testimony quantifying the estimated cost highlights pressure on emergency services and the closure of public access at the Palace of Westminster.

Overview

  • Daniel Day scaled part of Elizabeth Tower on March 8 and stayed aloft for more than 15 hours while live-streaming his protest and waving a Palestinian flag.
  • Parliament security and police told jurors the incident forced tours to be cancelled, closed nearby roads and Westminster Bridge, and focused staff on managing a high‑risk rescue.
  • Officials described a multi‑agency response that used mattresses at the tower base, a fire service cherry picker with a police negotiator, and efforts to avoid a dangerous extraction.
  • Parliament estimated the overall cost to taxpayers at about £67,000 and Transport for London said diversions cost roughly £25,000 in lost bus fares.
  • Day denies intentionally or recklessly causing a public nuisance and the trial at Southwark Crown Court is continuing with further evidence and legal argument pending.