Big Ben crowdfunders fail to gain traction after Boris Johnson suggests raising money for Brexit chimes

Jacob Jarvis15 January 2020

Fundraisers allowing people to "bung a bob for a Big Ben bong" failed to gain traction overnight after Boris Johnson suggested the public should support it chiming for Brexit.

After it emerged it could cost £500,000 for the iconic bell to chime to mark Britain's EU departure, as requested by numerous Leave supporters, the prime minister suggested that the public could perhaps fundraise to cover the cost.

"The trouble with the bong is the bongs cost £500,000," he told the BBC.

"But we're working up a plan so people can bung a bob for a Big Ben bong."

Scaffolding around the Elizabeth Tower which houses Big Ben
AFP/Getty Images

This prompted a number of online fundraisers to be launched, though none looked close to hitting the goal of half a million pounds.

On Wednesday, the Standard saw at least 22 fundraising pages on GoFundMe.

Boris Johnson suggested a public fundraiser
BBC

The most successful of these had raised £215 while 19 of them had no donations.

The restoration of the bell was discussed at a meeting of the House of Commons Commission on Monday.

However, it was ultimately ruled out after it was revealed that it could cost £500,000.

Following Mr Johnson's comments, his spokesman insisted Brexit day would be properly marked but said there was not a specific Government fund.

Arch Brexiteer Nigel Farage said "our country looks like a joke" if Big Ben does not strike at 11pm on January 31.

He told LBC: "Boris got elected on a massive majority on the basis of Get Brexit Done and he can't even bring himself as Prime Minister to say they are going to fund this to show the world we are organised and we are ready.

"I frankly think that, around the world, at that moment at 11pm, if Big Ben doesn't strike, our country looks like a joke."

Big Ben was silenced in 2017 and renovations are underway.

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