Labour for a Republic is calling on MPs to drop plan to change the name of the tower which holds Big Ben to ‘Elizabeth Tower’.

The majority of MPs are said to agree with the renaming despite being opposed by 53% of Londoners and only supported by just 23% of Londoners. This is reflected across the country, with just 30% supporting the change of name to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee nationwide.

“MPs should listen to the public who clearly do not support plans to change the name of the clock tower and drop this proposal,” said a Labour for Republic spokesperson.

“As part of the Palace of Westminster, the Big Ben tower is not only one of Britain’s most iconic landmarks, but also recognised globally as a symbol of British democracy. The fact that MPs are making a gift of this to an already-privileged individual, in the face of public opinion, speaks volumes about the corrosive effect of the hereditary principle on democracy.”

“It is incredibly disappointing to see Labour MPs and the Labour leader backing this name change and we will be speaking to these MPs to urge them to reconsider their position.”