As long as it takes
"I want to go back to my own kids and look them in the face again knowing that I've done all I can to try and save the children of Iraq and other countries who are dying because of my government's unjust, amoral, fear - and money - driven policies. These children and people of other countries are every bit as valuable and worthy of love as my precious wife and children."
How many must die?
Brian started his 24/7 vigil in 2001 to protest about the suffering of Iraqis during the 1990s because of economic sanctions. He continues because of all those who have, and continue, to suffer as a result of the invasion and occupation of Iraq. In Oct 2004 The Lancet estimated that 100,000 Iraqis have died. In Oct 2006 it was estimated that 655,000 people have died in Iraq as a result of the 2003 invasion (see more here). And how many millions of other lives have been blighted for ever?
Send Brian a postcard of support c/o Parliament Square, London SW1A
This photo was taken by Gemma Day in Dec 04 for an Independent on Sunday article. See all media articles
Mark Thomas, comedian and campaigner, 2004
" ...Now they wish to evict Brian from his place of protest. Maybe because he is an embarrassment to such a war mongering government. Whatever their reason it is wrong. A democracy that can not stand one man and some placards outside its front doors doesn't seem to have much faith in itself. That is why I support Brian for Parliament."
The heroic Brian Haw
Letter in The Independent, 2 Aug 05
Sir: Brian Haw has struck a major blow for international peace in his passive defiance of government aggression in the face of his peace protest (report, 30 July). I cannot think of anyone who has sacrificed as much as he has on a personal level in the cause of peace in this country and I would like to see him being nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Andrew Stephenson, Newhaven, East Sussex
Jenny Jones, GLA Green Party Gp, 23 May 06
"In my view, Brian is doing us all an amazing service. He is the visible presence of widespread opposition to the aggression on Iraq and a constant reminder to both the Blairs (PM and Met Commissioner) that this government is out of touch with the people it wants to govern. If Brian is moved, it means a loss of civil liberties that will diminish the whole of society."
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
|
|
news
also see:
press
releases
press articles
timeline
of Brian's protest since 2001
defending
the right to protest near Parliament
Wednesday 19 August 09: Brian will have been continuing his vigil for peace and justice opposite Parliament for 3000 days and nights! Come and show solidarity.
2 June 09: 8 years ago on this day, Brian came to Parliament Square to
protest against the injustice and suffering caused to the people of Iraq by
the UN economic sanctions and the bombing of the country by the US and UK.
Eight years later, after invasion and occupation, Iraqis have lived through
another terrible period and western troops have pulled out to continue their
war in Afghanistan with the US and NATO bombing claiming many civilian
casualties. Despite hassle from the police and others, Brian and supporters remain lawfully opposite Parliament reminding those in power of the costs of their
wars. Do come down to show support if you can.
1 June 09: Brian and Barbara Tucker are currently challenging the legality of the removal
of the majority of Brian’s display in 2006 under the Serious Organised Crime
and Police Act. Despite the illegality of the action (as there is no power of
seizure under SOCPA and no other authority was given at the time) they have
discovered that the police took action with the foreknowledge and "full
support of police actions by both houses and 'Black Rod'". Brian and Barbara
will be in the High Court again this week and will take the case to the
European Court of Human Rights if necessary. see more
SOCPA update June 2009
Tthe promised repeal of sections 132-138 of SOCPA, which have
restricted free speech and assembly for Brian and everyone else in a large
area around Parliament, have yet to materialise. Gordon Brown promised the
repeal when he came to power in 2007 but, despite being written into the
Constitutional Renewal Bill and recommended by Parliamentary Committees, there
has been no progress.
In reality however, the SOCPA restrictions on protest around Parliament are
pretty much dead and buried although the threat of arrest is still used and
deters people from exercising their right to protest. see more
Despite the repeal rhetoric, it is unlikely that the SOCPA legislation will be
overturned without other measures restricting protest put in place. Recently,
it has begun to look like Parliament will use the ongoing presence of large
Tamil protests in the area as an opportunity to clamp down on Brian, and
others.
On 14 May, The Evening Standard wrote that "Proposals were drawn up during an
emergency meeting to give police the power to move people on from the square
and to make it illegal for demonstrators to camp out overnight....Westminster
Council hopes the legislation can be passed before parliamentary recess in
June. It would affect all protesters including veteran peace campaigner Brian
Haw....Westminster Council is also prepared to hand over ownership of the
pavements surrounding the green to the Greater London Authority (GLA) - making
any protest camp on the sidewalk illegal."
Judging from what happens in Trafalgar Square, if the streets around
Parliament fall into the ownership of the GLA, no-one will be able to protest
without their permission. See http://repeal-socpa.info/ for more on the repeal (or not) of SOCPA and other developments.
|
4 March 09: Brian assaulted and arrested. Brian was assaulted by a worker putting up barriers in Parliament Square. His hand was bleeding after the attack, but rather than arrest the culprit, the police arrested Brian. On leaving police custody, Brian was taken to hospital in an ambulance. See here.
1 March 09: Brian and others save life of a tamil protester who set himself alight in Parliament Square. A police sergeant who saw CCTV footage of the incident told them they would be receiving a letter of commendation for saving life and limb. This morning, the same sergeant arrived at 9am to perform an unlawful search of the tents - using force and intimidation against the peace protesters. See here.
25 Jan 09: Brian & Co. Parliament Square SW1 is launched at the Rich Mix, London.
Brian & Co. Parliament Square SW1 is a documentary film by Japanese film-maker Yumiko Hayakawa. Filmed over the course of one and a half years, the film captures this unique campaign through interviews with Brian, his supporters, former Labour MP Tony Benn and UK/Japanese peace campaigners. The film also sheds light on how freedom of speech is threatened in the UK and people’s imaginative and unrelenting ways of defending their rights. |
see more information and view trailer |
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.
June 08: Freedom
to Protest: parliamentary committees need your opinion. Deadlines
9th and 12th June 2008. 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 and Oxford Union debate
On 7th February, Brian will be taking part
in a debate at the Oxford Union entitled 'This House Would
Under No Circumstances Fight For Queen And Country'. This
debate marks the 75th anniversary of the famous 'King and
Country' debate at the Oxford Union in 1933 when the vote
was carried in favour of the motion that 'This House Would
Under No Circumstances Fight For its King And Country'.
This vote for peace among students became
news around the world. The debate is being restaged 75
years, and many wars, later with prominent campaigners
making the case for peaceful alternatives to war.
In the 4 days running up to the debate Brian
and supporters will be undertaking a peace walk from Parliament
Square in London to Oxford, starting at 10am on 4th February.
The peace walk will go through Uxbridge and High Wycombe
and arrive in Oxford on 7 February.
This
House Would Under No Circumstances Fight For Queen And
Country
In Proposition - Brian Haw, George
Galloway MP, Walter Wolfgang, Scilla Elworthy
In Opposition - Prof Michael Clarke, Air Chief
Marshall Sir Jock Stirrup (The Chief of Defence Staff will
be replaced by Col Bob Andrews, who will be flying in from
Iraq), Nick Harvey MP.
See
photos and more details
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
details here - including analysis of the consultation document
and suggestions of how to respond.
12 Jan 08: In an unprovoked attack
by a police officer, Brian
was assaulted and arrested while
observing a demonstration against the ban on unauthorised
protest under the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act
which was taking place outside Downing Street. Brian was
filming the event when a police officer violently pushed
the camera into his face, causing a bloody cut to appear.
Brian
was
then arrested and was heard being assaulted inside
a
police
van. Inside, his head was forced down and he was punched
between his legs
from behind. Brian was then taken to Belgravia police
station where he was strip-searched and his camera
confiscated. After being seen by a police doctor Brian was
released on bail pending further investigation in
the early hours
of the
morning.
Steve
Jago, also a long-term domonstrator against SOCPA, was arrested
and he too was assaulted by the police. 5 others were also
arrested. Brian will be pursuing a complaint. see
Indymedia 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 2007: 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 07, 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 films will be followed by a panel discussion with Brian
Haw, Rikki Blue, Maya Evans (the first person to be
convicted under SOCPA and author of 'Naming The Dead - A Serious
Crime'), Marc Vallée (photo journalist
and hospitalised after action by police while taking photographs
at a demonstration in the SOCPA zone) and Emma Sangster,
Parliament Square Peace Campaign. more
info
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 Most Inspiring Political Figure Award 2007!
7 Feb 07:
Brian won 54% of the vote!! Gen Sir Richard Dannatt,
the head of the British Army, who embarrassed the Government
by saying troops should be withdrawn from Iraq, came second with
18%. see
here for details of the award. See
article. The ceremony was broadcast on Channel 4 on 10 February. Watch
the broadcast of the award ceremony.
Brian wins important
case against SOCPA
22 Jan 07: Brian has been on trial, charged, under the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005, with failing to comply with the conditions that the police imposed on his protest in May this year. However, 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. Read details
'STATE BRITAIN'
Brian at
the Tate
On Monday 15 January
2007, 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 2006.
|
 |
Mark Wallinger
State Britain 2006
Photos: Sam Drake © Tate 2006. See Tate
website for more images.
|
see here
for more including press articles, images, video etc |
Brian shortlisted for Channel 4's
Most Inspiring Political Figure Award 2007
Jan 07: "I
nominate Brian Haw, who has done more than any politician
to draw attention to the illegal war against and occupation
of Iraq, which event figures at the top of my political agenda
as something that must be ended immediately. Thanks to Brian
Haw's unswerving dedication to that same end." Karen
Sharpe vote
here by 2 Feb 07 |
Listen
to Brian's Christmas message, December 2006
Protests against SOCPA
Many other protests are going ahead around
Brian's, such as the newly established People's Strike
for Peace. The police are taking action against some
unauthorised demos, particularly if they only involve
individuals or
a small number of people, but on other occasions they
take no action (read reports
of a selection of different actions: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8). Mark
Thomas has been organising a series of 'Mass
Lone Demos' in which many people have gathered
to make their own protest, all getting permission beforehand. See
more info on how to take part in the demos here. Two
of Brian's
supporters,
Barbara
Tucker
and
Steve Jago have continued to demonstrate their right to protest despite
heavy
handed actions by the police to stop them. |
Take
action!
Write to your MP
asking them to support the Public Demonstrations (Repeals)
Bill
[HL 12]
January 2007: The
Liberal Democract Peer, Baroness Susan Miller has
introduced a Private
Members Bill
in the House of Lords. The Bill would repeal sections
128 to 131 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police
Act 2005
(which criminalises trespass on ‘designated sites’ around
military bases); sections 132 to 138 of SOCPA (banning unauthorised
demonstrations in the vicinity of Parliament); and section
12 of the Terrorism Act 2006 (c.11) (trespassing etc on nuclear
sites). It would also revoke the Orders made by the Home
Secretary relating to the definition of these ‘designated
areas’ and ‘designated sites’. How
to contact your MP
Ask your MP to sign Early Day Motion
335, calling for an Immediate Withdrawal from Iraq
January 2007: “That this House notes
with alarm the conclusion of the Oct 2006 Lancet report that
coalition forces in Iraq have been directly responsible for
the deaths of at least 186,000 Iraqis since the start of the
2003 invasion; recognises that according to a Sept 2006 Program
on International Policy Attitudes (PIPA) poll, 78% of Iraqis
believe that the US military presence in Iraq is provoking
more conflict than it is preventing; recalls the conclusion
of the April 2006 US National Intelligence Estimate on global
terrorism that `The Iraq conflict has become the cause celébrè for
jihadists, breeding a deep resentment of US involvement in
the Muslim world and cultivating supporters for the global
jihadist movement'; further notes the recent statement by the
Head of the British Army, General Sir Richard Dannatt, that
British forces should be withdrawn from Iraq soon because their
presence exacerbates the security problems; further notes that
there have been over 118 British military deaths in Iraq since
the 2003 invasion; and calls on the Government to withdraw
all British forces from Iraq immediately.” How
to contact your MP |
Brian
speaks at Reclaiming our Rights conference
2 Dec
2006: Brian spoke at a conference at
London Metropolitan University. He shared a platform
with eminent speakers on a range of civil liberties issues including:
Gareth Peirce, Mark Thomas, Craig Murray,
Mark Muller, Bill Bowring, Nafeez Ahmed. See
more. Watch video of speeches from Brian and Mark Thomas.
Brian Haw - 2000 days and nights for peace
and justice!
Thurs 23rd Nov 06 was the
2000th day and night that Brian has maintained his continuous
vigil opposite Parliament for peace and justice for the people
of Iraq. There was a gathering of supporters to mark this extraordinary
achievement in the face of numerous attempts to silence his public
criticism of this government's foreign policy. Speakers included
John McDonnell MP; Jenny Jones, Green Party Member of the Greater
London Authority, representatives from Liberty and Global Women's
Strike and others. Read press release, read
a report
Brian on his 2000th
day and night in Parliament Square. Photo
by Marc Vallee |
 |
Important SOCPA appeal in
the High Court
Thurs 16th & Fri 17th Nov
06, Royal Courts of Justice. In the first major
legal challenge to the law banning unauthorised protest
around Parliament, four people convicted under the Serious
Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 for demonstrating without
authorisation in the protest exclusion zone around Parliament
will be appealing in the High Court. Maya Evans, Steve
Blum, Aquil Shaer and Milan Rai will be appealing against
their convictions on points of law including the compatibility
of the ban on unauthorised protests with the Articles 10
and 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights. This
is the first court hearing at which the SOCPA law itself
will come under significant scrutiny. Please come along
and show your support for the SOCPA convicts. Maya and
Co lost their appeal to the High Court - see
here for more information.
See opposite for a letter of defiance to the press. |
The
Daily Telegraph Letters, 21
December 2006
Right to protest
SIR – We have all been arrested for
demonstrating in the vicinity of Parliament in defiance
of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (SOCPA).
Some of us have been convicted; others are awaiting trial.
Maya Anne Evans was arrested opposite Downing
Street for reading – without police authorisation – the
names of Iraqis and British solders killed in Iraq.
Yesterday the High Court ruled against Maya
Anne Evans and others in their appeal against criminalisation
under this legislation that limits freedom of expression
and assembly. We respond by calling for more people to
stand up and challenge the unjust laws that restrict our
right to protest.
Mark Barrett, Steve Bloom, Chris
Coverdale, Maya Anne Evans, Maria Gallastegui, Brian
Haw, Milan Rai, Emma Sangster, Aqil Shaer, Alwyn Simpson,
Caroline Simpson, Prasanth Visweswaran, London E5 |
Brian arrested and part of display seized
21 Oct 06: Brian was arrested
at 5am after trying to stop a woman trashing his display, which
the police did nothing to prevent. See
more.
Brian wins legal aid for appeal hearings
19 Oct 06: Brian has won
the right to petition the House of Lords to appeal the High Court
decision of 8 May which determined that the Serious Organised
Crime and Police Act 2005 can control his protest. He has also
won leave to appeal a decision made in September that he would
not be granted a judicial review of the legality of police conditions
restricting his current protest. Check back here for dates of
these hearings.
Barbara's court victory
14 September 2006 The
case against Barbara Tucker for protesting with police permission
was withdrawn and her bail conditions were lifted. see
report. photo of Barbara
in Parliament Square by Dean Colmer
Police turn
increasingly nasty
See
here for a report on police intimidation and brutality
against individuals who continue to campaign against SOCPA
anti-protest laws. The Indymedia report shows the depths the
police with sink to in order to silence the voices of individuals
who continue to defy the law banning unauthorised protest around
Parliament. The report details how Barbara Tucker and Steve
Jago were subject to intimidation and brutality at Charing
Cross Police Station last week. We will post details of upcoming
court appearances here. |
|
Brian wins back right to use megaphone!!
30 June 06: In another victory
against SOCPA, Westminster City Council have granted Brian the
right to use his megaphone at certain times. The Serious Organised
Crime and Police Act bans all use
of megaphones (with particular exemptions) but there is
a clause
that
allows
the Council to grant permission. When Brian sought
permission last September,
the
Council refused. A High Court judge quashed the refusal
after Westminster lawyers conceded that the decision could not
stand and that a
legal challenge should be allowed and agreed to pay Brian's legal
costs. It was also agreed that a differently-constituted
licensing sub-committee should consider his application again in
21 days. The Committee agreed to Brian's limited use of
the megaphone subject to noise level tests and various
other criteria. He can use it for half an hour in the morning,
half an hour in the early
evening, and for a short while as Tony Blair drives past to face
prime
minister's question time. See here.
Friday 2 June: Brian's 5th anniversary
There will be a celebration of Brian's amazing
achievement of standing up to the government for 5 years. From
5pm. Bring food, drink, entertainment. press
release report and pictures
Statement written by Brian to Magistrate about
the loss of his possessions in the police raid on 23 May. read
Early Day Motion 2146 in support of Brian
25 May 06: That this
House notes the verdict of Monday 9th May in the case of Brian
Haw, peace protestor in Parliament Square for over four and a half
years, which overturned the original High Court ruling allowing
him to continue his peace vigil; notes with concern that Mr Haw
may now be forced to end his protest should the Police Commissioner
fail to grant him permission to remain; further notes that Mr Haw's
silent protest causes no hindrance to the proper operation of Parliament,
nor does it create a public disorder; further notes that this House
owes Mr Haw a debt of gratitude for his long-term active engagement
in democracy; believes that Mr Haw should be allowed to remain
in Parliament Square; and calls upon the Government to nurture
engagement by the public with politicians and to support the democratic
right of all to protest where they can be seen by hon. Members.
See
if your MP signed MPs
support Brian.
Gathering in support of Brian
Wednesday 24 May 2006, to greet Tony Blair as he arrives for
Prime Minister's questions.
24 May 2006, 11am: Last Wednesday the
police removed Brian's bell,
which he has been regularly ringing out in lieu of the megaphone
which is completely banned under SOCPA, because Tony Blair was
driving into Parliament for Prime Minister's questions. To protest
against
the removal of Brian's display from Parliament Square in the
early hours of this morning, 23 May, when the police thought
that no-one was looking, there will be a noisy
protest on Parliament
Square to greet Tony Blair when he arrives. Bring
bells and whistles... This will not be
part of Brian's protest (he is only allowed to have 19 supporters
with him at
any one
time)
but will
be in solidarity with him. There will be some risk
of arrest.
report press
release.
23 May 2006: Brian's display
removed by police in middle of night
|
|
Maria
and Martin detained the container from leaving the Square
until morning. photo by rikki - see
more here |
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. With
the exception of a few placards and some personal possessions
everything, including art works of significant value,
personal items belonging to Brian and supporters, legal
papers and 5 year's worth of testimony to the horrors
of this government's foreign policy, was unceremoniously
pushed into a huge container. Two supporters climbed
on top of the container, detaining it in the Square until
the morning light came to show the world just how the
police operate.
Brian's powerful display of testimony to man's inhumanity
to man has been reduced to the size of 3 metres by 3 metres
by 1 metre - the size that the police have stated in their
conditions is acceptable. Brian was left with only a few
placards and some personal possessions that he managed
to retain.
3 of Brian's supporters were arrested - Maria, Barbara
and Martin.
Despite the reduction of the display, Brian and supporters
remain in the Square, their spirit undiminished.
See below for background
to this police action
See
here for pictures and a report of the police action Police
sent 78 to quell lone protester, Telegraph, 26/05/2006
Met
criticised for sending 78 officers to protester raid,
Daily Mail, 25 May 2005 |
Brian Haw refuses to
remove pictures of effects of Depleted Uranium
17 May 2006 more info
Brian served with summons
for refusing to comply with police conditions.
16 May 2006:
After the Court of Appeal
judgement on
8 May 2006 in which the Home Office won their appeal against the High
Court ruling of July 2005 that Brian was exempt from the ban
on unauthorised protest around Parliament, the police imposed conditions
on Brian's protest. The Serious Organised Crime and Police Act
2005 states that the police must grant permission for a demonstration
if someone applies to have one. However, they can control the demo
using various conditions which can potentially neuter a protest.
The police imposed a number of conditions on Brian's protest,
many of which are almost impossible to comply with. On 16th May,
Brian was served with a summons for failing to comply with the
conditions although his solicitors were still liaising about
them with the police.
The police action of 23rd May pre-empted the court hearing on
30 May to which Brian was summonsed for failing to comply with
the conditions. The police made the conditions and then enforced
them before allowing the courts a chance to take an opinion on
them - did they know that the courts may just find the conditions
unreasonable?
Hugo Chavez (nearly) visits Brian in Parliament
Square
15 May 2006: after supporters
of Brian managed to speak to the radical Venezuelan President
himself, there was significant hope that he would be able to
visit Brian at
his display in Parliament Square. This
was not able to happen for security reasons but Maria, one of
Brian's key supporters, was able to speak with President Chavez
about Brian as he left his last engagement before leaving the
country. Again, he showed considerable interest in Brian's vigil
and was given material to read. President Chavez has very publicly
opposed the invasion and occupation of Afghanistan and Iraq. press
release
Sunday 14 May: gathering in solidarity
with Brian Haw report video press
release
Brian reported to Crown Prosecution
Service for failure to comply with SOCPA conditions
Thursday 11 May Brian was given a deadline of
3pm, 11 May, to comply with the conditions that the police have
set out for his protest. The conditions include reducing the display
to 3 metres in any direction and that no article can conceal or
contain other items, and they must be arranged in such a way that
it is possible to tell at a glance that there are no suspicious
items. These conditions are impossible to comply with fully and
Brian was seeking further communication with the police about
them.
However, the police were keen
to see some action and they have now reported Brian to the Crown
Prosecution Service who will decided whether to charge him or
not. The police have basically passed the decision about what
to do next onto someone else!
Home Office wins appeal against Brian but all
is not lost...
Monday 8 May 2006: The Home
Office appeal against Brian's right to remain in the Square has
been successful. The Home Office
and Metropolitan Police are appealing against the High
Court decision in July last year that Brian is exempt from
the ban on unauthorised protest near Parliament brought in by
the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act. The
judgement was given in a short announcement in the Court of Appeal.
The court would not grant Brian leave
to appeal to the House of Lords or a stay that would allow him
to remain in Parliament Square while the appeal process was exhausted.
After the announcement was made, Brian made a statement
to the press and supporters in Parliament Square. See
here for a short
video of the statement.
Brian will be independently
seeking leave to appeal to the House of Lords. As an interim measure,
his solicitor has notified the police that Brian intends to continue
his demonstration. On Monday the police said that Brian's demonstration
is authorised, for the time being, and that they will be making
further contact relating to any conditions they wish to impose
later. By law, authorisation to demonstrate has to be granted.
It is with the conditions that Brian's protest could be severely
curtailed.
The police have issued conditions e.g. the protest
can only by 3 metres long and high. At the moment - Thursday -
there is some negotiation taking place over the conditons the
police wish to impose on Brian's protest.
A number of people will be
staying in the Square from now on. Others are more than welcome
to come and show solidarity with Brian.
A
good source of updates and comments and discussion about
how events are unfolding,
can be seen here
Maria acquitted
6 April 06: Maria's retrial for taking part
in an unauthorised demo was today thrown out of court! more
info
Image of the day
4 April 06: "I am
not a lone ranger. I am not the saviour of mankind. But I
do know that I am
responsible. We each have a responsibilty" more
info |
 |
Brian arrested again
26 March 06: Brian was arrested
when he refused to give one of his banners to the police. The
banner had been held by a supporter, Barbara, who was protesting
with Brian and was arrested under the new
laws restricting protest around Parliament. Both were later
released without charge but have 'reported' to the CPS. Throughout
the process Brian refused to hand over the banner or any of his
other possessions. more
info
Show support
for Brian:
new postcard to send
to Home Office more
info |
 |
Brian makes front
page news in The Independent on Human Rights day
10 Dec 05: more info
Brian arrested defending supporters right to
visit
9 Dec 05: Brian was arrested
for breach of the peace as police threatened a young women with
arrest for protesting. She was sitting with Brian as he slept
early this morning. The police have generally accepted that
people
visiting Brian are not carrying out a separate unauthorised protest
and will not be arrested. He was soon released without charge.
more info
Brian shortlisted for Human Rights Award 2005
Dec 05: Brian is one of three
shortlisted for this 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 award is organised by the human rights campaigning organisation
Liberty and Justice and The Law Society and is sponsored by the
Bar Council. more
info
The Serious Organised Crime
and Police Act comes into force
Aug 05: more
info
See
more on the law, what you can do to oppose it and how
you can give practical support to Brian
See details
and reports of actions to defy the new law and
info on arrests and trials
High Court victory: judges rule that
ban on unauthorised protest near Parliament will not include
Brian
29 July 05: In an
embarrassing verdict for the Government, the High Court rules
that the Serious
Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 could not be applied retrospectively
to Brian whoes protest started a long time before the Act came
into force. see
more
Free postcards available
see text
here
These postcards are no longer available. |
 |
Speaker from Christian
Solidarity Worldwide at the weekly prayer meeting
on Parliament Square for all faiths and none.
Sunday 12 June, 5pm
Prayers, music, reflection. Candle-lit vigil - together
for peace, unity and love and for all across the world. People
of all faiths and none welcome.
Photo
by Bartolomy
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vote for Brian: vote for
peace & justice
May 05: Brian stood
for MP as the independent Parliament Square Peace Campaigner
in the general election on 5 May. see
here
Watch
Brian's election night speech
Brian didn't win the election for Cities
of London and Westminster but he made a powerful and moving
challenge to those who have been elected. "...Now
they wish to evict Brian from his place of protest. Maybe
because he is an embarrassment to such a war mongering government.
Whatever their reason it is wrong. A democracy that can
not stand one man and some placards outside its front doors
doesn't seem to have much faith in itself. That
is why I support Brian for Parliament." Mark
Thomas, comedian and campaigner |
Brian wins appeal
30 March 05: yet
again the lawfulness, and justice, of his protest is demonstrated
more info
Brian nominated as a People's
Peer! Vote Brian!
21 Dec 04: Brian nominated
by Hilary Wainwright, of Red Pepper Magazine, on Radio 4's Today
programme to become the 'Listeners Lord. See here
to hear the nomination (under Hilary Wainwright).
Brian wins against assault charge
14 Dec 04: With a lack
of evidence and conflicting police accounts, the magistrate
dismissed the police's charge of assault against Brian. The
charge of 'failing to leave a cordoned area' (in May 2004)
was upheld despite no cordon having being put in place and
further conflicting accounts. The defense argument that Brian's
placards were unnecessarily removed from the site after the
incident was over, with the effect of clearing the display
from the area in time for the visit of the Chinese president
the following day, was ignored by the magistrate. Tony Benn,
Bruce Kent and Canon David Partridge were amongst those who
were witnesses in Brian's defense. See
press release for more details. |
Supporters of Brian outside the magistrates
court, including Peggie Preston (centre) who gave evidence
about the children of
Iraq, featured in Brian's display, who have suffered as a
result of UK policy. |
how many must die?
The Lancet estimates that 100,000
Iraqi civilians have died as a result of the invasion
and occupation. more
info. Brian started his 24/7 vigil in June 2001
to protest about the many hundreds of thousands of Iraqis who
died during
the 1990s because of economic sanctions.
another attack
At 6 am on 17 September, Brian was woken by an American man attacking
his display. The police quickly arrested the man and charged him
with criminal damage.
Many of the photos of children killed or harmed by war, sanctions
and D.U. were damaged.
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