Foreign visitors banned from taking tours of Big Ben amid security fears



Tourists from overseas are no longer allowed to take tours around Big Ben because of concerns over security.



Foreigners hoping to learn more about one of London's most famous icons are now banned from taking the tour due to mounting fears over terrorism.



Clearance checks for foreigners which were to ensure that terrorists could not target the historic clock tower became too complex and costly.



British citizens are still allowed to visit Big Ben, but must apply by writing to their MP.

No foreigners: Tourists have been banned from visiting Big Ben

The tour includes a trip to the top of The Great Clock, popularly known as Big Ben but it is now no longer an option for the millions of tourists who flock to the capital each year.



Michael McCann, the Keeper of The Great Clock, said the policy had to change to maintain security at the iconic London monument.

He said: 'We used to get a lot of foreign tourists but you have to be a British citizen now. It just got too complicated with the security checks, as you can imagine.

'We don't do public tours but you can write to your MP with a reason for wanting to see it and they arrange a tour for you. We do a tour up to three times a day which sounds a lot but there are only 16 people on a tour.'



Before taking the 75-minute tour, guests have to pass through strict security checks at Portcullis House.



Under the supervision of armed police, each visitor passes through a metal detector and a wall-mounted camera takes a picture of their face before being issued with a photo security pass.



They are guided around the famous tower of Parliament, learning the history of the tower, the bell and how the most accurate public clock in the world works.

Keeper of the Great Clock Michael McCann by the mechanism of Big Ben

The tour culminates at the top of Big Ben, looking at the clock's mechanism, the clock faces, and the bell itself.



A spokesman for the House of Commons confirmed the ban on foreigners but said: 'The house does not comment in detail on security matters.'



He added: 'The process involves people approaching their MP and some kind of security checks take place, based on their residency in the UK.'



The UK Parliament website says: 'UK residents can arrange a tour through their local MP.



However, please be advised that space is extremely limited and early booking, 3-6 months in advanced, is strongly recommended. Overseas visitors cannot currently visit the tower.'