Parliament protest camp returns - this time on the pavement

The so-called Democracy Villagers evicted from Parliament Square were back outside the House of Commons today — inches from where they had been camping before they were ejected.

Despite an estimated £110,000 legal bill to evict demonstrators from the site, the self-styled
eco-protesters have now set up camp on the pavement bordering the green.

Around 15 tents, a number of placards and a hoarding crowded the space creating an eyesore just opposite the House of Commons.

After an Appeal Court ruling on Friday, bailiffs were sent to the site in the early hours of yesterday to clear the space. But some of the campaigners against the war in Afghanistan simply moved alongside anti-war protester Brian Haw, who was not affected by the court decision.

A spokesman for Westminster council said: "We believe they have no legal right to stay on the pavement. The only person who has an exemption is Brian Haw."