London tower to be renamed for queen

LONDON, June 26 (UPI) -- London's Westminster Clock Tower, which contains the bell known as Big Ben, will be renamed in honor of Queen Elizabeth, the House of Commons announced Tuesday.

A six-member committee of Parliament members gave final approval Monday night to rename the 316-foot tower, symbolic of London and of Britain, "The Elizabeth Tower," the London Evening Standard reported, noting the proposal had wide support in the House of Commons.

"I am extremely pleased that colleagues from across the House, both front and back bench, have supported this initiative," said Conservative Member of Parliament Tobias Ellwood, who first proposed the name change to honor the queen's 60 years on the throne.

Big Ben's name will not be changed, the newspaper said.