PARLIAMENT SQUARE PEACE PROTESTERS

Motion Text

That this House expresses its deep concern that the visit of George Bush, President of the United States of America, may be used as an occasion to undermine the right to protest by removing the peaceful anti-war protesters in Parliament Square, Brian Haw who has been there 24 hours a day for over two years, and the Women's Community Picket which joined him at the start of the war against Iraq; notes the extensive arrangements to ensure the safety of the US President, contrasted with the inadequate protection afforded to Mr Haw, who has suffered serious physical assaults; and calls upon the Metropolitan Police Commissioner to allow Mr Haw and the women's picket to continue their protest in the square and to ensure that the policing arrangements provide for their safety.