As we celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee this year it seems only fitting to recognise Her Majesty’s dedication to a life of public service in an appropriate manner, I have therefore suggested that the tower at the east end of the Palace of Westminster which contains Big Ben is named the Elizabeth Tower.
The background to this proposal comes from the west tower of the Palace of Westminster, which was originally called the King’s Tower when it was built, being renamed the Victoria Tower after the Palace of Westminster was rebuilt in 1860 to commemorate the long reign of Queen Victoria.
As the Queen is only the second monarch to reach her Diamond Jubilee since William the Conqueror, the first being Queen Victoria, it seems only fitting to rename the east tower the Elizabeth Tower, in recognition of Her Majesty’s 60 years of unbroken public service on behalf of her country.
I have tabled an Early Day Motion to gain support for this suggestion from other Members of Parliament, which is already supported by Cabinet Ministers, including Commons Leader Sir George Young, as well as senior figures in the two other main parties.
My hope is that if this EDM gains enough support that the House of Commons Commission will approve this change and there will be a formal announcement or a ceremony on the 2nd June, the day of the Queen’s coronation, to officially change the name of the tower.