Parliament Square’s veteran peace protester Brian Haw is treated for tumour

Parliament Square anti-war protester Brian Haw is being treated in hospital for a tumour.

Mr Haw, who has been encamped outside the Houses of Parliament since 2001, was told about the growth after being admitted with breathing problems. His absence has cast doubt on the future of the protest camp, which MPs are attempting to outlaw.

A recent post on Mr Haw's blog revealed that he was taken to hospital in September and has since had tests and treatment.

Mr Haw, 61, said: "In my enforced absence, Babs Tucker is Captain of the Good Ship Parliament Square Peace Campaign. Please give her all the help possible.

"I will be back and able to cry out again for those denied a voice. God save the kids, the people."

Ms Tucker declined to comment but told the Standard an announcement would be made about Mr Haw's health and the future of the camp shortly.

Mr Haw, of Redditch, Worcestershire, set up his camp in protest against sanctions on Iraq and then over the war. He won a legal battle in 2007 to remain because of a drafting error in a law banning unauthorised protests in Westminster.

The Government announced last month that the squatters' peace camp will be banned.

In May, Mr Haw was arrested as police cleared the area before the Queen's speech. The demonstration moved to the pavement after protesters were evicted from Parliament Square in July. Commons Leader Sir George Young described the camp as "wholly unacceptable".