New name for Big Ben
THE iconic tower in London, best known as Big Ben, is set to be named "The Elizabeth Tower" when British parliament meets in coming weeks.
To mark Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee, 331 of the 650 members of parliament supported the change which is believed to be backed by Buckingham Palace.
The British Telegraph newspaper reported the plan would be subject to approval then the proposal presented to the Palace.
A renaming ceremony would then follow, in which the Queen would be invited to attend.
Currently, Big Ben specifically refers to the bell housed inside what is formally named the clock tower.
It mirrors a tribute bestowed on Queen Victoria, the present Queen's great-great grandmother, and the only other monarch in history to mark a Diamond Jubilee.
The tower at the other end of the Palace of Westminster, originally known as the King's Tower, was renamed the Victoria Tower in her honour.
British parliament will meet again before the end of June.
