Northumberland pine tree put up outside Houses of Parliament to mark festive season

A 40ft Christmas tree from Northumberland has been put up at the Houses of Parliament to mark the beginning of this year's festive season in Westminster.

The Sitka spruce was chosen from around 150 million trees in Kielder Forest and will stand at the foot of Big Ben. The tree was felled earlier this month, before it was wrapped and put on a lorry for the 330-mile journey to London.

The tree arrived in the capital on Saturday and was put in position by workers using a crane, ahead of being decorated with lights. Richard Cooper, of Forestry England, said: "So many people from all over the world will see it lit up and I’m really proud to see something from our corner of Northumberland take pride of place."

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Sir Lindsay Hoyle, speaker of the House of Commons, said: "The arrival of the Christmas tree from Forestry England brings great joy and excitement to our parliamentary community – and lighting it offers us the opportunity to come together to celebrate the start of the festive season and share best wishes for a peaceful year ahead.”

Lord McFall of Alcluith, the Lord Speaker, said: "The arrival of this majestic tree marks the beginning of the festive period in Westminster. I hope it will be a happy and peaceful time across the United Kingdom. Once again, I’d like to thank Forestry England for bringing some Christmas cheer to Parliament."

Another 25ft tree has been delivered to Westminster Hall and a 10ft tree will stand in the Speaker's State Apartments. In January, the trees will be recycled and sent to be chipped and used for composting.

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