New £15 Big Ben tour charge a 'disgrace', says MP

PA

New plans to charge tourists and visitors £15 to climb the tower that is home to Big Ben have been blasted as a "disgrace".

The climb is currently free but, from July, parliament plans to charge visitors to climb the 334 steps of the clock tower.

Conservative MP Robert Halfon described the plan as a "disgraceful action", according to the BBC, and questioned whether there were not other ways to save money.

Commons speaker John Bercow defended the move, saying the charge would merely cover costs, and is to a money-making profit scheme.

Mr Bercow told the BBC: "The Clock Tower tours are special tours, allowing access to an area of the Palace which realistically cannot be open to all.

"The charges agreed by the House of Commons Commission are set at a level which will cover the costs of providing these tours. No profit will be made."

But, don't worry, there are still plenty of free attractions for tourists to enjoy in London. Discover our top ten below:

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