Boris Johnson appears to have backed off the idea of crowdfunding £500,000 needed to have Big Ben bong on 31 January, with No 10 citing “potential difficulties” in accepting donations. Mark Francois said the PM would be “mad” to back down from fundraising efforts. Jacob Rees-Mogg warned the House of Commons not to "look gift horses in the mouth" regarding the potentially private funding of Big Ben ringing to mark Brexit.
There has been a fierce debate as to whether Big Ben should ring at 11pm on January 31 to mark the completion of the Brexit process. Remainers and Brexiteers have clashed over the issue while the estimated cost of £500,000 has also been a stumbling block in getting the green light for Big Ben. However, Brexiteers have offered to fundraise the £500,000 needed and Leader of the House of Commons Jacob Rees-Mogg told the House of Commons to accept the "public spiritedness" of those that want to contribute.
He said: "About Big Ben, it seems to me in regard to bunging a bob for Big Ben’s bongs one shouldn’t look gift horses in the mouth.
"If people wish to pay for things I think that should be considered as part of their public-spiritedness.
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