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Reduced but undiminished
Brian & supporters continue undeterred after the police raid in May 06. The dead of night operation reduced Brian's display of testimony to the inhumanity of UK/US foreign policy to 3 metres. See below. Photo by Haris Artemis

Brian wins Channel 4's Most Inspiring Political Figure Award 2007
Watch the broadcast of the award ceremony

'STATE BRITAIN' - Brian at the Tate
15 Jan 07, Tate Britain unveiled a major art commission by Mark Wallinger. The show, 'State Britain', is a recreation in all its glorious detail of the entirety of Brian's display just before it was removed by police in May 06. see here

What's been lost!
See pictures of some of the items that were taken away by police when they mounted a massive night-time operation to dismantle Brian's display on 23 May 06. This canvas is by the well-known street artist and supporter of Brian, Banksy.

Mass Lone Demo against the ban on unauthorised protest around Parliament
31/08/06 organised by Mark Thomas, pictured. Brian is the only one allowed to use a megaphone but he sometimes shares it! See more on the campaign to repeal SOCPA. Photo by Chris King

MPs support Brian
24 May 06: In a gesture of support, Liberal Democrat MPs Susan Kramer and Vince Cable offered a new poster (right) to Brian Haw to help replace those taken by the police. Susan Kramer said: "I have always been proud that we allow a protest in front of Parliament. It is a reminder that we live in a democracy. Brian's protest has been no threat to national security and the decision to reduce his display to insignificance is petty. If we don't  oppose  this, they will soon be removing Brian altogether. That would be a sad day for freedom of speech."	Vince Cable said: "There  is a broader issue about civil liberties. Others such as Maya Evans have already encountered a disproportionate response to their protests."
Police raid removes Brian's display 23 May 06: In a much criticised operation costing £28,000 and involving 78 police officers, Brian's display was unceremoniously dismantled with no warning in the dead of night. more info. Below a photo taken of the display in its entirety on 7 May, before it was dismantled by police.

Brian shortlisted for Human Rights Award
"For outstanding commitment to justice by maintaining constant vigil outside parliament demanding respect for the human rights of those in other countries. For tireless and passionate defence of freedom of speech."
The 2005 award is organised by the human rights campaigning organisation Liberty and Justice and The Law Society and is sponsored by the Bar Council. See here.

John McDonnell MP
'The Government will be passing power to one part of the state to control demonstrations in a way that we have never known before in the history of this country. Tonight, we are seeing a small but significant part of our democratic tradition being chiselled away. Why? Because one person out there has the moral authority, the guts, the tenacity and the courage to stand in Parliament square for several years telling us what we did wrong in this House by authorising a war. Part of the motivation behind this legislation is that some people cannot come to terms with the illegality and immorality of their actions in this place. We should be supporting that democratic voice out there, and the right of that individual to voice his concerns in this way—near to us.
Commons debate in Feb 05 on the passing of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act (SOCPA) which banned unauthorised protest near Parliament. See more

current news

See here for the latest on what is happening in Parliament Sq and more detailed news

15 July 08: Brian is taking a case to the High Court regarding the theft of his display in 2006. Court 2, Royal Courts of Justice, from 10.30pm. See here.

15 June 08: Brian's speech to the crowd at the protest against George Bush in London
watch video

June 08: Freedom to Protest: parliamentary committees need your opinion. New deadline for submissions - 22 Sept 08 See more

2 June 08: 7th anniversary of the start of Brian's 24/7 peace vigil. Brian will be fasting and praying from Sunday 1 June until Monday 2 June. All welcome to join. There will be a gathering at 2pm on Sunday 1 June of supporters to mark this occasion. All welcome.

Mar 08: Brian nominated for Muslim News Awards for Excellence. see more

4-7 Feb 08: Brian's peace walk to Oxford and participation in the Oxford Union debate on 'This House Would Under No Circumstances Fight For Queen And Country'. See more. Watch a video of the speech: part 1 part 2

17 Jan 08: Deadline for responses to the government consultation on 'Managing protest around Parliament'. Please respond! This document poses a significant new threat to freedom of assembly across the UK. Tell the government you want the ban on authorised protest around Parliament (SOCPA) repealed and no new restrictions on rights to protest. see here

12 Jan 08: Brian assaulted and arrested in unprovoked attack by police while observing SOCPA demo outside Downing Street. see details. Morning Star front page (pdf) BBC

3 Dec 07: Mark Wallinger wins Turner Prize 2007. Congratulations to Mark for winning the prize, as he says, 'for State Britain'. See the Channel 4 report.

29 Oct 07: Brian Haw v Sir Ian Blair at Southwark Crown Court, 11am. see press release.

25 Oct 07: Home Offices launches consultation about protests around Parliament - lets get SOCPA repealed! See the consultation here and respond.

17 Oct 07: GLA removes peace camp tents from Parliament Square. see press release. See 'What exactly has Ken got against Brian Haw?' by Andrew Gilligan, Evening Standard, 25.10.07

24 July 07: Sir Ian Blair in court! A magistrate has issued a summons to the Metropolitan Commissioner for theft of Brian's display when it was dismantled and taken away by the police on 23 May 2006. Come to court on 24 July to support. Check Indymedia for more details.

Is Gordon Brown going to repeal SOCPA? - read an analysis here.

17 June, Renoir Cinema, London, 12 noon: World Premiere of 'SOCPA - the movie' Rikki Blue's new film about the restrictions on protest around Parliament and how people have challenged the controversial law. To be shown with 'Brian Haw: Peace Campaign' 2007, 25 min, Red Hill Films: A short film bringing to life the story of Brian 6 year long continuous peace protest opposite Parliament in London. The discussion panel will include Brian and Rikki Blue and others. more info and to book online

2 June 07: Join us to mark Brian's 6 years of peace protest opposite Parliament. We will be having a gathering in Parliament Square from 2pm on Saturday 2 June. Please bring some food and drink to share. This will not be a protest!

4 Mar 07: Watch The South Bank Show on the artist Mark Wallinger - featuring Brian and the recreation of his display for the State Britain show at Tate Britain. See here.

Brian wins Channel 4's Most Inspiring Political Figure Award 2007!
7 Feb 07: Brian won 54% of the vote!! see here for details of the award. See article. Watch the broadcast of the award ceremony.

Brian wins important case against SOCPA
22 Jan 07: The judge found that the conditions imposed on Brian by the police under the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act were not sufficiently clear for Brian to comply. He also found that the Metropolitan Commissioner should not have delegated responsibility for the conditions. see here for more details. Watch BBC news item with Brian's solicitor

'STATE BRITAIN' Brian at the Tate On 15 Jan 07, Tate Britain in London unveiled a major art commission by the renowned artist Mark Wallinger. The show, entitled 'State Britain', consists of a recreation in all its glorious detail of the entirety of Brian's display just before it was dismantled and removed by police on 23 May 06. see here for more including press articles, images, video etc Mark Wallinger State Britain 2006 Photos: Sam Drake © Tate 2006 See Tate website for more images.

Brian on his 2000th day and night in Parliament Square. Photo by Marc Vallee

see here for older news