Guardian has a bit more info and a pic. They apparently arrested him for obstructing the police, after 9 years they just happen to do it on the day of the queen's speech for the tories. What a cynical move. Solidarity..
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Brian Haw, the anti-war protester camped outside parliament, was arrested this morning as police cleared demonstrators ahead of the Queen's speech.
A witness reported seeing Haw being handcuffed by officers opposite the Houses of Parliament where he and other peace campaigners maintain a round-the-clock protest.
Police with sniffer dogs moved to search the tents on Parliament Square before the Queen arrived to announce the new government's plans. Another protester at the camp, Barbara Tucker, was also arrested.
Tucker was heard saying on BBC London 94.9: "You can't arrest him [Mr Haw], you don't have a search order."
A Scotland Yard spokeswoman said two people were arrested at 8am "on suspicion of obstructing police". She did not confirm whether Haw was one of them.
Haw first set up camp in June 2001 in a one-man protest against war and foreign policy – initially, the sanctions against Iraq. He said he was inspired to take up his vigil after seeing the images and information produced by the Mariam appeal, an anti-sanctions campaign.
Haw only leaves his campsite to attend court hearings and survives on food brought by supporters, who include the former Labour cabinet minister Tony Benn and activist and comedian Mark Thomas.
The 60-year-old father-of-seven, from Redditch, Worcestershire, has been arrested several times. The Greater London Authority, which owns the land, says it has been "increasingly concerned by the ongoing mess and chaos".
Today's arrest sparked considerable interest on the social networking service Twitter, where Haw was one the most discussed terms in the UK, with many expressing support for him.
"Brian Haw should never have been arrested bad show on Boris and Tories," tweeted purpleline.
Brian was arrested this morning during the morning security sweep of Parliament Square for the state opening of parliament. Both Brian and the Democracy campers had been given prior notice that this was to happen.
This happens every year and every year either Brian or one of his supporters is either arrested or removed.
The BBC are carrying audio of Brian and Barbara Tucker arguing with the police over warrants and right of access. The police had no intention of arresting or removing Brian but were simply acting to secure the Square prior to the monarchs arrival this afternoon.
What I want to know is what actions are taken by Brian and the Democracy Villagers to ensure that the issue of the Afghanistan war is properly highlighted and given prominence over today's events.
I don't want to know about people simply 'reacting' to the police. It isn't about the police is it?
"The police had no intention of arresting or removing Brian but were simply acting to secure the Square prior to the monarchs arrival this afternoon."
You are either a police officer or a mind reader if you can say what the intentions of the police officers was.
The best way of "securing the square" would be to leave the campaigners where they are. They have a far better idea of what is going on there than any police officer and if someone is up to no good then the campaigners can say so.
It seems that the only people up to no good so far are the police, who have caused problems yet again. I am reminded of the Climate Camp's response to the police http://www.climatecamp.org.uk/blog/2009/08/20/open-letter-to-the-met which has been imitated but not so far bettered.
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"Obstructing the police"
25.05.2010 09:32
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Brian Haw, the anti-war protester camped outside parliament, was arrested this morning as police cleared demonstrators ahead of the Queen's speech.
A witness reported seeing Haw being handcuffed by officers opposite the Houses of Parliament where he and other peace campaigners maintain a round-the-clock protest.
Police with sniffer dogs moved to search the tents on Parliament Square before the Queen arrived to announce the new government's plans. Another protester at the camp, Barbara Tucker, was also arrested.
Tucker was heard saying on BBC London 94.9: "You can't arrest him [Mr Haw], you don't have a search order."
A Scotland Yard spokeswoman said two people were arrested at 8am "on suspicion of obstructing police". She did not confirm whether Haw was one of them.
Haw first set up camp in June 2001 in a one-man protest against war and foreign policy – initially, the sanctions against Iraq. He said he was inspired to take up his vigil after seeing the images and information produced by the Mariam appeal, an anti-sanctions campaign.
Haw only leaves his campsite to attend court hearings and survives on food brought by supporters, who include the former Labour cabinet minister Tony Benn and activist and comedian Mark Thomas.
The 60-year-old father-of-seven, from Redditch, Worcestershire, has been arrested several times. The Greater London Authority, which owns the land, says it has been "increasingly concerned by the ongoing mess and chaos".
Today's arrest sparked considerable interest on the social networking service Twitter, where Haw was one the most discussed terms in the UK, with many expressing support for him.
"Brian Haw should never have been arrested bad show on Boris and Tories," tweeted purpleline.
Jigsaw
on the beeb
25.05.2010 09:40
watch
Brian
25.05.2010 09:47
This happens every year and every year either Brian or one of his supporters is either arrested or removed.
The BBC are carrying audio of Brian and Barbara Tucker arguing with the police over warrants and right of access. The police had no intention of arresting or removing Brian but were simply acting to secure the Square prior to the monarchs arrival this afternoon.
What I want to know is what actions are taken by Brian and the Democracy Villagers to ensure that the issue of the Afghanistan war is properly highlighted and given prominence over today's events.
I don't want to know about people simply 'reacting' to the police. It isn't about the police is it?
Campaigner
Securing the square
25.05.2010 10:19
You are either a police officer or a mind reader if you can say what the intentions of the police officers was.
The best way of "securing the square" would be to leave the campaigners where they are. They have a far better idea of what is going on there than any police officer and if someone is up to no good then the campaigners can say so.
It seems that the only people up to no good so far are the police, who have caused problems yet again. I am reminded of the Climate Camp's response to the police
A N other