Emergency services have cordoned off the area around Big Ben after a man scaled one of the buildings in the Palace of Westminster, demanding an end to the police crackdown on protesters and advocating for freedom for Palestine. 

Social media videos show a barefoot man standing on a ledge, holding a Palestinian flag several meters up Elizabeth Tower, which houses the Westminster clock and its iconic bell.

At least nine emergency vehicles were lined up on Bridge Street in central London, while crowds watched from behind a police cordon.

A Met Police spokesperson stated, “At 7:24 am on Saturday 8 March officers were alerted to a man climbing up the Elizabeth Tower at the Houses of Parliament.”

"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 spokesperson added.

Police confirmed that Bridge Street, located at the north end of Westminster Bridge, is closed to allow emergency services to manage the situation.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "Firefighters are responding alongside the Metropolitan Police Service to reports of a person scaling the Palace of Westminster."

A brave person who climbed Big Ben with a Palestinian flag, he's there now asking for an end to police violence against protesters and freedom for Palestine. The road below is closed, full of police cars and a fire truck with a ladder. pic.twitter.com/KvdbeBhKHe

— Liza Tóth JD #FBPE (@ipattorneyliza) March 8, 2025

Simultaneously, he was praised on social media for his bold act, with activists honoring him as a brave individual standing for justice. Described as calling for an end to police violence against protesters and advocating for freedom for Palestine, his actions have garnered widespread support online.

BREAKING: An activist with a Palestine flag has scaled Big Ben, and is calling for the freedom of political prisoners including Palestine Action's #Filton18.

The 18 are in prison under counter-terror powers for allegedly costing Israel's weapons trade £millions in damages. pic.twitter.com/2CFqY0WjyK

— Palestine Action (@Pal_action) March 8, 2025

The activist, in addition to advocating for Palestinian freedom, was also calling for the release of political detainees, including members of Palestine Action. According to a post on their X page, 18 members of Palestine Action are currently imprisoned under counter-terrorism laws, accused of causing millions in damages to Israeli weapons trade operations. 
 
Over the past two years, the UK has witnessed an intensified crackdown on pro-Palestinian figures and protests, following the Israeli genocide in Gaza. Authorities have increasingly targeted activists, organizers, and demonstrators supporting Palestinian rights, leading to a significant rise in arrests and restrictions on public demonstrations. This crackdown has sparked debates about freedom of speech, human rights, and the UK's stance on the Palestinian cause, with many calling for greater protections for those advocating for Palestinian justice.