It was announced today that Brian Haw had lost the latest round of his fight to be allowed to protest in Parliament Square. In response to this blow to free speech Shami Chakrabarti, Director of Liberty, said:

“The Prime Minister recently criticised those who fear civil liberties are being eroded in this country. He pointed to the existence of Mr Haw’s flags and banners in Parliament Square as proof the right to protest was safe with him. Unfortunately today’s judgement, and the law he passed, prove the right to protest is under severe threat in this country, I hope that on appeal our democratic rights will be upheld.”

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NOTES TO EDITORS

The Prime Minister made his comments in an email exchange with Henry Porter printed in the Observer on the 23rd April.

Brian Haw has been protesting in Parliament Square for five years. The Government attempted to change the law to outlaw his protest as part of the Serious Organised Crime Act 2006.

The original court ruling was the Mr Haw protest could continue because it began before the law was passed.

Today’s judgment overturns that decision.