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Parliament Commemorates 80 Years since Ayrton Light was Reignited

In a solemn ceremony, House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle reactivated the historic Ayrton Light, marking the 80th anniversary of its illumination by his predecessor, Col Clifton Brown, at the close of World War II. This momentous occasion serves not just as a reminder of the hardships faced during the war but also as a celebration of the enduring values of democracy.

The Ayrton Light, perched atop the Elizabeth Tower above the Big Ben bell, was extinguished in 1939 at the onset of the war to comply with blackout regulations meant to shield the UK from German bombing raids. These regulations aimed to decrease any visible light that could potentially aid enemy aircraft in locating their targets.

When peace was finally declared in 1945, Speaker Col Clifton Brown paused a parliamentary debate to announce the light’s return after a prolonged period of darkness—five years, seven months, and 23 days to be exact. He articulated a hope that the relighting of the Ayrton Light would symbolize not only the assembly of a free Parliament but also serve as a beacon of hope in a world still recovering from conflict.

Sir Lindsay Hoyle’s recent recreation of this historic moment included the presence of two Chelsea Pensioners, John Morris, aged 103, and Tony Hunt, aged 85. Mr. Hunt, who was only seven years old when Victory in Europe Day was celebrated, shared his vivid recollections of the shift from a war-torn routine to the newfound freedom when blackout regulations were lifted. “One minute we were making sure the blinds were down and diving into air-raid shelters… the next, cars and buses had their headlights on, and it was a different world,” he reminisced, highlighting the jubilant street parties and reunions of families during that transformative period.

Mr. Morris, who enlisted at 17, served valiantly as an anti-aircraft gunner and later fought in Italy and Yugoslavia, also reflected on the significance of the day. Sir Lindsay described the experience as an “incredible privilege” to reestablish such a powerful symbol alongside veterans who lived through the harsh realities of war. He reiterated that turning on the Ayrton Light represented a testimony to the survival of democracy through dark times, a sentiment that resonates strongly even today.

The Ayrton Light, which serves as an indicator for the sitting of either the House of Commons or the House of Lords, was originally installed in 1885 at the request of Queen Victoria—allowing her to see from Buckingham Palace if Parliament was in session after sunset. Named after Acton Smee Ayrton, who served as Commissioner of Works in the late 19th century, the light has been a poignant symbol throughout history.

In a notable occurrence, the light was turned off in 2017 for the first time since World War II to facilitate much-needed repairs, undergoing restoration in Sheffield before being relit in 2022. This ongoing narrative not only reflects the resilience of British democracy but also serves as a reminder of the challenges and sacrifices endured throughout the years.

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