Ken must evict Parliament Square peace camp, say MPs

Members of Parliament are embroiled in a growing row over the peace camp in Parliament Square.

They are frustrated that the Mayor has failed to evict anti-war campaigner Brian Haw and his supporters from the grass opposite the House of Commons.

At least nine tents have now been pitched on the square and some MPs have complained that the camp is both a security risk and a threat to tourism.

The Home Office and Westminster council have embarked on numerous attempts to oust Mr Haw since he began his demonstration six years ago but they have been thwarted at every turn by the courts, which have defended his right to protest.

In a dawn raid last May police seized many giant placards from Mr Haw's display, which had grown to be 40 feet long. He has also been banned from using his megaphone during most working hours. However, many MPs are still not happy with the camp.

Tory Humfrey Malins said: "A combination of the local authority and Ken Livingstone should be getting rid of the banners and the tents on the grass. Ken and everybody else are dragging their heels.

"This is on the face of it a wonderful tourist spot, absolutely ruined by the noise and mess opposite. The situation is disgraceful and a complete eyesore."

A Labour MP, who refused to be named, added: "Parliament is a powerless, toothless institution and it proves it every day by allowing the permanent encampment opposite."

The Mayor declined to comment on the matter, leading to speculation that he sympathises with Mr Haw's camp, despite it breaching GLA by-laws.

Mr Haw told the Standard: "Many MPs are trying to control and suppress us and crush the opposition to this Government's illegal warfare in other countries. We're here 24/7 and we believe that under the Human Rights Act we're entitled to shelter. They're small tents and they mean we can get a few hours' sleep."

He warned the Mayor: "I understand Ken Livingstone supports us in our campaign. He would be shamed in front of the country if he tried to take our tents away."

Mr Haw is the only protester based permanently in the Square but is joined regularly by up to a dozen others.

Barbara Tucker, a 45-year-old from Australia, said: "I came along here to protest one day and Brian asked me to join him. I've been visiting for about 18 months and living here since the police took down the banners. When they tore them down, the tents went up. They make the protest more visible."

A 59-year-old man from North Wales who calls himself Stuart The Beard added: "I've been coming down here for a number of years, as frequently as I could manage. I'm here because Brian is right - there's no future in war."