Call for security review after man scales Big Ben

A barefoot man was seen waving a Palestinian flag several metres up Big Ben's tower on Saturday morning

A security review has been ordered by the Commons Speaker after a barefoot man scaled Big Ben's clock tower holding a Palestinian flag.

Sir Lindsay Hoyle said he wanted to ensure "lessons are learned" following the incident, which happened at about 07:20 GMT on Saturday, with the man being lifted to the ground by a cherry picker more than 16 hours later.

Daniel Day, 29, of Palmerston Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, was charged with intentionally or recklessly causing a public nuisance and trespassing on a protected site.

He appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday and spoke only to confirm his identity. No pleas were entered.

Judge Annabel Pilling decided to remand Mr Day into custody until his next court appearance on 17 March.

Opening business in the Commons on Monday, Sir Lindsay said: "The safety and security of all those who work on and visit the parliamentary estate is my top priority.

"I've asked for a review to be undertaken of Saturday's incident. I will ensure lessons are learned from it.

"I want to thank all those who were involved in helping to ensure Saturday's incident was resolved safely. An individual has been charged."

Videos posted to social media on Saturday allegedly showed a man climbing over a security fence near the Houses of Parliament without being approached by security forces.

In the afternoon, shouts of "Free Palestine" and "You are a hero" could be heard from a small group of supporters behind the police cordon at Victoria Embankment.

In a post on X, Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty called for an explanation about how Mr Day allegedly accessed the parliamentary estate.

He said: "Every day in Parliament I see dozens of armed police officers patrolling Portcullis House and the parliamentary estate. Where were they today?

"On Monday there needs to be a full explanation to MPs and staff as to how this protester was able to evade security so easily."

Parliamentary tours were cancelled in the wake of the incident.