Parliament Square crossing could see end of Brian Haw peace camp - plans to improve access and evict veteran protester

Published: 10 June 2011
by JOSH LOEB

AN attempt by City Hall to “improve access” to Parliament Square could spell the end of Brian Haw’s anti-war protest camp, which recently marked its 10th anniversary. 

Westminster Council want to install a pedes­trian crossing on the south-east corner of the square, which is a World Heritage site. 

They say this will enable visitors to “reclaim the square” and get a better view of ­statues of Churchill and other former prime ministers.

Friends of 62-year-old activist Mr Haw, who is currently in an intensive care unit in Germany being treated for cancer, have condemned the ­proposal as a crude attempt to portray them as an obstruction to pedestrians.

A statement on Mr Haw’s website this week branded the proposal “pathetic” and claimed previous attempts to remove the camp had failed because the pavement where it is based is relatively inacces­sible to the public. 

Westminster Council leader Colin Barrow said he wanted the square to be “available for all”, adding: “We, of course, support the right to protest and will continue to do so, but the camping out for years on end has turned the area into an eyesore. 

“I think they have made their point and now is the time to reclaim the square for all Londoners and their visitors once and for all. 

“By installing this crossing we believe we are helping to achieve that and providing a safe way to access the square rather than a sprint across several lanes of traffic.”

Earlier this year the High Court turned down an application by Mr Haw’s friend Barbara Tucker for the right to appeal against a court order granting the Mayor of London the right to take possession of the grass where Mr Haw’s tent is pitched.

Fencing currently surrounds the square, which is protected by security guards.

Though the grass part of the square is the responsibility of the Greater London Assembly, the pavement comes under the jurisdiction of the council – a legal situation which has complicated repeated attempts to remove the protesters.  

Another court hearing is set to take place later this year, which the council hopes will result in the protest camp being removed.