Jail for Commons protests

New laws will threaten antiwar protesters camped outside the Commons with jail and fines of up to £2,500, the Evening Standard can reveal.

In a highly controversial move, the Home Secretary will empower police to evict demonstrators who have held a vigil in Parliament Square since the invasion of Iraq.

David Blunkett's plan will infuriate civil rights campaigners who argue that the streets outside Parliament are a traditional arena for political rallies.

It follows irritation among MPs and ministers at the antics of Brian Haw, an eccentric anti-war campaigner who has spent three years bellowing protests through a megaphone from Parliament Square surrounded by tattered banners. The former carpenter today vowed to defy the new law and warned the Government his supporters would fight tooth and nail to stay.

Mr Blunkett branded Mr Haw a "nut" in an interview with the Standard and said his behaviour had spoiled the picture-postcard look of Westminster and deterred tourists.

"Yes, it's a sledgehammer to crack a nut," said the Home Secretary, "but this nut is such that he has caused total havoc.

"Regrettably and uniquely, we are having to legislate because I have been advised there is no other way of dealing with it. If it sounds crazy, it is because it is crazy." Police will get powers to issue directives to anyone protesting in an area around Parliament. They would be able to set time limits on protests and order people to make less noise.

Nuisance protesters could also be banned from returning to the area for up to three months.

The powers will apply if protests are hindering MPs' ability to enter Parliament, creating an eyesore or stopping others enjoying themselves.

Any breach of the law by individuals will be punished by a fine of up to ?1,000. Organisers of protests deemed illegal will risk up to three months in prison or a fine of up to £2,500.

Ministers decided to draw up new laws after September's pro-hunting rally ended in chaos and violence.

The Home Secretary said his aim was not to stop fair protests and mass rallies but to prevent a handful of people causing a nuisance. "We are trying to restore some sense so that genuine protests are not driven away by those who make it their life's work and have abandoned going to work in favour of creating a complete mess," he said.

"Tourists are getting a view of a dysfunctional democracy where the environment has been spoiled," Mr Blunkett added. "This is all about getting some sense back and allowing people to protest peacefully."

Mr Haw, however, said: "I say to Mr Blair 'See you in court' because I am protected by the Human Rights Act and I will go all the way to Strasbourg to prove it." He pointed out that the High Court had ruled in 2002 that he was not causing an obstruction and eviction would breach his human rights.