That is 8 years!
 		 


The website of Brian Haw, peace protestor
and the Parliament Square Peace Campaign, supporting Brian
and defending the right to protest near Parliament
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As long as it takes
"I want to go back to my own kids and look them in the face again knowing that I've done all I can to try and save the children of Iraq and other countries who are dying because of my government's unjust, amoral, fear - and money - driven policies. These children and people of other countries are every bit as valuable and worthy of love as my precious wife and children."

How many must die?
Brian started his 24/7 vigil in 2001 to protest about the suffering of Iraqis during the 1990s because of economic sanctions. He continues because of all those who have, and continue, to suffer as a result of the invasion and occupation of Iraq. In Oct 2004 The Lancet estimated that 100,000 Iraqis have died. In Oct 2006 it was estimated that 655,000 people have died in Iraq as a result of the 2003 invasion (see more here). And how many millions of other lives have been blighted for ever?


Watch! Listen!
demonstration speeches: June 08, Oct 07

Brian's Christmas message, Dec 2006

Brian on why he continues his protest, 2005

Send Brian a postcard of support c/o Parliament Square, London SW1A


This photo was taken by Gemma Day in Dec 04 for an Independent on Sunday article. See all media articles

Mark Thomas, comedian and campaigner, 2004
" ...Now they wish to evict Brian from his place of protest. Maybe because he is an embarrassment to such a war mongering government. Whatever their reason it is wrong. A democracy that can not stand one man and some placards outside its front doors doesn't seem to have much faith in itself. That is why I support Brian for Parliament."

The heroic Brian Haw
Letter in The Independent, 2 Aug 05
Sir: Brian Haw has struck a major blow for international peace in his passive defiance of government aggression in the face of his peace protest (report, 30 July). I cannot think of anyone who has sacrificed as much as he has on a personal level in the cause of peace in this country and I would like to see him being nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Andrew Stephenson, Newhaven, East Sussex

Jenny Jones, GLA Green Party Gp, 23 May 06
"In my view, Brian is doing us all an amazing service. He is the visible presence of widespread opposition to the aggression on Iraq and a constant reminder to both the Blairs (PM and Met Commissioner) that this government is out of touch with the people it wants to govern. If Brian is moved, it means a loss of civil liberties that will diminish the whole of society."

Brian shortlisted for Human Rights Award
"For outstanding commitment to justice by maintaining constant vigil outside parliament demanding respect for the human rights of those in other countries. For tireless and passionate defence of freedom of speech."
The 2005 award is organised by the human rights campaigning organisation Liberty and Justice and The Law Society and is sponsored by the Bar Council. See here.

John McDonnell MP
'The Government will be passing power to one part of the state to control demonstrations in a way that we have never known before in the history of this country. Tonight, we are seeing a small but significant part of our democratic tradition being chiselled away. Why? Because one person out there has the moral authority, the guts, the tenacity and the courage to stand in Parliament square for several years telling us what we did wrong in this House by authorising a war. Part of the motivation behind this legislation is that some people cannot come to terms with the illegality and immorality of their actions in this place. We should be supporting that democratic voice out there, and the right of that individual to voice his concerns in this way—near to us.
Commons debate in Feb 05 on the passing of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act (SOCPA) which banned unauthorised protest near Parliament. See more


Reduced but undiminished
Brian & supporters continue undeterred after the police raid in May 06. The dead of night operation reduced Brian's display of testimony to the inhumanity of UK/US foreign policy to 3 metres. See below. Photo by Haris Artemis


Brian & Co. Parliament Square SW1
A new documentary film by Japanese film-maker Yumiko Hayakawa. Filmed over the course of one and a half years, the film captures this unique campaign through interviews with Brian, his supporters, former Labour MP Tony Benn and UK/Japanese peace campaigners. The film also sheds light on how freedom of speech is threatened in the UK and people’s imaginative and unrelenting ways of defending their rights. see more information and view trailer


Brian wins Channel 4's Most Inspiring Political Figure Award 2007
Watch the broadcast of the award ceremony


'STATE BRITAIN' - Brian at the Tate
15 Jan 07, Tate Britain unveiled a major art commission by Mark Wallinger. The show, 'State Britain', is a recreation in all its glorious detail of the entirety of Brian's display just before it was removed by police in May 06. see here


What's been lost!
See pictures of some of the items that were taken away by police when they mounted a massive night-time operation to dismantle Brian's display on 23 May 06. This canvas is by the well-known street artist and supporter of Brian, Banksy.


Mass Lone Demo against the ban on unauthorised protest around Parliament
31/08/06 organised by Mark Thomas, pictured. Brian is the only one allowed to use a megaphone but he sometimes shares it! See more on the campaign to repeal SOCPA. Photo by Chris King

MPs support Brian

24 May 06: In a gesture of support, Liberal Democrat MPs Susan Kramer and Vince Cable offered a new poster (right) to Brian Haw to help replace those taken by the police. Susan Kramer said: "I have always been proud that we allow a protest in front of Parliament. It is a reminder that we live in a democracy. Brian's protest has been no threat to national security and the decision to reduce his display to insignificance is petty. If we don't  oppose  this, they will soon be removing Brian altogether. That would be a sad day for freedom of speech."
Vince Cable said: "There  is a broader issue about civil liberties. Others such as Maya Evans have already encountered a disproportionate response to their protests."



Police raid removes Brian's display
23 May 06: In a much criticised operation costing £28,000 and involving 78 police officers, Brian's display was unceremoniously dismantled with no warning in the dead of night. more info. Below a photo taken of the display in its entirety on 7 May, before it was dismantled by police.

news

Wednesday 19 August 09: Brian will have been continuing his vigil for peace and justice opposite Parliament for 3000 days and nights! Come and show solidarity.

2 June 09: 8 years ago on this day, Brian came to Parliament Square to protest against the injustice and suffering caused to the people of Iraq by the UN economic sanctions and the bombing of the country by the US and UK. Eight years later, after invasion and occupation, Iraqis have lived through another terrible period and western troops have pulled out to continue their war in Afghanistan with the US and NATO bombing claiming many civilian casualties. Despite hassle from the police and others, Brian and supporters remain lawfully opposite Parliament reminding those in power of the costs of their wars. Do come down to show support if you can.

1 June 09: Brian and Barbara challenge the legality of the removal of the majority of Brian’s display in the High Court again this week. They have discovered that the police took action with the foreknowledge and "full support of police actions by both houses and 'Black Rod'". see more

1 June 09: SOCPA update Despite the SOCPA legislation that restricts protest around Parliament being all but dead and buried in practice, the promised repeal of the law is yet to be seen and new laws governing protest around Parliament threaten. See more

4 March 09: Brian assaulted and arrested. Brian was assaulted by a worker putting up barriers in Parliament Square. His hand was bleeding after the attack, but rather than arrest the culprit, the police arrested Brian. On leaving police custody, Brian was taken to hospital in an ambulance. See here.

1 March 09: Brian and others save life of a tamil protester who set himself alight in Parliament Square. A police sergeant who saw CCTV footage of the incident told them they would be receiving a letter of commendation for saving life and limb. This morning, the same sergeant arrived at 9am to perform an unlawful search of the tents - using force and intimidation against the peace protesters. See here.

25 Jan 09: new film, Brian & Co. Parliament Square SW1 is launched at the Rich Mix, London. See here

15 July 08: Brian is taking a case to the High Court regarding the theft of his display in 2006. Court 2, Royal Courts of Justice, from 10.30pm. See here.

15 June 08: Brian's speech to the crowd at the protest against George Bush in London watch video

June 08: Freedom to Protest: parliamentary committees need your opinion. New deadline for submissions - 22 Sept 08 See more

2 June 08: 7th anniversary of the start of Brian's 24/7 peace vigil. Brian will be fasting and praying from Sunday 1 June until Monday 2 June. All welcome to join. There will be a gathering at 2pm on Sunday 1 June of supporters to mark this occasion. All welcome.

Mar 08: Brian nominated for Muslim News Awards for Excellence. see more

4-7 Feb 08: Brian's peace walk to Oxford and participation in the Oxford Union debate on 'This House Would Under No Circumstances Fight For Queen And Country'. See more. Watch a video of the speech: part 1 part 2

17 Jan 08: Deadline for responses to the government consultation on 'Managing protest around Parliament'. Please respond! This document poses a significant new threat to freedom of assembly across the UK. Tell the government you want the ban on authorised protest around Parliament (SOCPA) repealed and no new restrictions on rights to protest. see here

12 Jan 08: Brian assaulted and arrested in unprovoked attack by police while observing SOCPA demo outside Downing Street. see details. Morning Star front page (pdf) BBC

3 Dec 07: Mark Wallinger wins Turner Prize 2007. Congratulations to Mark for winning the prize, as he says, 'for State Britain'. See the Channel 4 report.

29 Oct 07: Brian Haw v Sir Ian Blair at Southwark Crown Court, 11am. see press release.

25 Oct 07: Home Offices launches consultation about protests around Parliament - lets get SOCPA repealed! See the consultation here and respond.

17 Oct 07: GLA removes peace camp tents from Parliament Square. see press release. See 'What exactly has Ken got against Brian Haw?' by Andrew Gilligan, Evening Standard, 25.10.07

24 July 07: Sir Ian Blair in court! A magistrate has issued a summons to the Metropolitan Commissioner for theft of Brian's display when it was dismantled and taken away by the police on 23 May 2006. Come to court on 24 July to support. Check Indymedia for more details.

Is Gordon Brown going to repeal SOCPA? - read an analysis here.

17 June 07 World Premiere of 'SOCPA - the movie' Rikki Blue's new film about the restrictions on protest around Parliament and how people have challenged the controversial law. To be shown with 'Brian Haw: Peace Campaign' 2007, 25 min, Red Hill Films: A short film bringing to life the story of Brian 6 year long continuous peace protest opposite Parliament in London. The discussion panel will include Brian and Rikki Blue and others. more info and to book online

2 June 07: Join us to mark Brian's 6 years of peace protest opposite Parliament. We will be having a gathering in Parliament Square from 2pm on Saturday 2 June. Please bring some food and drink to share. This will not be a protest!

4 Mar 07: Watch The South Bank Show on the artist Mark Wallinger - featuring Brian and the recreation of his display for the State Britain show at Tate Britain. See here.

7 Feb 07: Brian wins Channel 4's Most Inspiring Political Figure Award 2007!
Brian won 54% of the vote!! see here for details of the award. See article. Watch the broadcast of the award ceremony.

22 Jan 07: Brian wins important case against SOCPA The judge found that the conditions imposed on Brian by the police under the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act were not sufficiently clear for Brian to comply. He also found that the Metropolitan Commissioner should not have delegated responsibility for the conditions. see here for more details Watch BBC news item with Brian's solicitor

'STATE BRITAIN'
Brian at the Tate
On 15 Jan 07, Tate Britain in London unveiled a major art commission by the renowned artist Mark Wallinger. The show, entitled 'State Britain', consists of a recreation in all its glorious detail of the entirety of Brian's display just before it was dismantled and removed by police on 23 May 06. see here for more including press articles, images, video etc


Mark Wallinger
State Britain 2006
Photos: Sam Drake © Tate 2006
See Tate website for more images.


Brian on his 2000th day and night in Parliament Square. Photo by Marc Vallee

see here for older news

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