One media columnist has even called for the speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow, to be fired over the controversy surrounding the silencing of the bells. Bercow chairs a powerful committee that has sanctioned the work program.
It forced managers at the Houses of Parliament to issue an updated statement a few days later saying: "When Parliament returns (after the summer recess), in light of concerns expressed by a number of MPs, the House of Commons Commission will consider the length of time that the bells will fall silent. Of course, any discussion will focus on undertaking the work efficiently, protecting the health and safety of those involved, and seeking to ensure resumption of normal service as soon as is practicable."
A spokesman at the parliament said: "Big Ben's bongs are an integral part of parliamentary life and we will ensure that they can resume their role as the nation's timekeeper as soon as possible."
The spokesman also explained why starting and stopping Big Ben was a complex and lengthy process: "The striking hammer is locked and the bells can then be disconnected from the clock mechanism. The weights are lowered within the weight shaft to the base of the tower and secured in a safe position. The whole process takes around half a day to complete."
During the building work, at least one clock face will continue to operate, but will be driven by an electric motor. The original mechanical clock mechanism is to be completely dismantled, refurbished and put back together in a separate operation taking around two years.
【国际英语资讯:Feature: Big Ben falls silent amid noise from angry politicians】相关文章:
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