"Democracy 'Village" - Tony Benn throws weight behind protesters occupying Parliament Square

Published: 25 June 2010
by JAMIE WELHAM

TONY Benn has thrown his weight behind Parliament Square protesters fighting a high court eviction battle against the Mayor of London.

Giving evidence on Monday, former Labour MP Mr Benn said that the “democracy village” camp is an “imaginative idea”.

Around 50 members of the camp were summoned to court last month. The Greater London Authority (GLA) claims they are trespassing on the square, and are seeking an eviction.

Mr Benn said: “It’s the closest piece of public property to Parliament Square itself, so people tend to gather in or near it to protest. It’s an integral part of the democratic process.”

Speaking last week, the Mayor’s counsel, Ashley Underwood, told Mr Justice Griffith Williams he did not seek to curb free speech or protest, rather, the action was intended to safeguard the square – a World Heritage site – for “the majority”.

The court action is also supported by the leader of Westminster Council, Colin Barrow.