British Prime Minister Theresa May has said that it is wrong for the London landmark Big Ben to go silent for four years.

The Elizabeth Tower which houses the Big Ben bell is scheduled to undergo four years of renovation. The bell will ring for the last time at noon on Aug 21 when the ringing mechanism will be cut.

Speaking in Portsmouth after a ceremony involving the new British aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, May told reporters: "Of course we want to ensure people's safety at work but it can't be right for Big Ben to be silent for four years.