A recent decision by parliament to carry out maintenance and refurbishment work on Big Ben, will mean the world famous clock tower and recognisable bell will fall silent for up to four years.

The ninety six meters tall Elizabeth tower at the palace of Westminster and its bell, affectionately named Big Ben, has sounded an hourly ring for over one hundred and fifty years; it has survived the London blitz and has become one of the most recognisable landmarks in the entire world.

As part of a refurbishment plan the bell will cease to chime for health and safety purposes; instead, the traditional chime will be replaced with an Islamic call to prayer.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said, “I welcome the decision by parliament to allow London’s rich culture to be reflected in its most loved landmarks. We all know and love Big Ben’s regular chimes and I am certain Londoners will come to appreciate the melodic chant of the Adhan five times a day.”

Brixton resident, Abdul Azeez, has been selected to take the role of Muezzin (person who chants the call to prayer).

He told the Herald, “It is a great honour for me to sing the Adhan from the Palace of Westminster.”

There has been some opposition to the plans however.

Nigel Farage said, “The plans to introduce the call to worship is a disgrace to all who fought and died on the beaches of Dunkirk in effort to stop free movement and defend British values.”

Groups such as the English Defence League and Britain First have started to assemble outside Westminster palace in protest.

Paul Golding, leader of the right wing nationalist group Britain First, upon hearing the news, was reported to shout “You f**king what mate?” before suffering a stroke and descending to hell riding a dragon made out of turds.

19th century vegetable highwayman/ satirist. Likes: the sound of a solitary house fly loitering hectically around his ear and the feeling of a warm toilet seat. Favourite topic: writing about political intrigue involving biscuits.