Protesters oppose demo ban

Protesters from across the political spectrum today united against a Government move to curb demonstrations at Westminster.

Home Secretary David Blunkett is studying proposals for a law that would make it illegal for activists to camp out on Parliament Square.

Mass demonstrations in the square would also be banned.

The move comes after a powerful alliance of MPs, peers and Church of England officials demanded restrictions. Commons staff have complained that the incessant noise from loudhailers on the square distracts them from their work, while Parliamentary officials fear that big marches can block entrances to the Palace of Westminster.

The square is currently home to Brian Haw, who has staged a oneman protest against the war in Iraq since June 2001. But a report last year from a cross-party committee of MPs accused him of harming "the aesthetic and environmental value of Parliament Square as an important heritage square".

A Commons motion calling for a curb on demonstrations won backing from 42 MPs while a countermotion secured 24 signatures.

Home Office sources said ministers could announce the proposed ban within weeks.

It would need to be approved by the Commons and Lords.