two protestors climbed up on the scaffolding at the front of parliament (inside the security area) this afternoon.

they are protesting about the afghanistan war prior to a commons debate tomorrow. the STWC have called a protest at noon tomorrow before the debate.

the protestors have vowed to remain on the front of parliament overnight and until the debate

this afternoon, while police dealt with a diversion by a "granny" protest at the gates of parliament, two intrepid protestors scaled the high fencing at the side of parliament and armed with a ladder, provisions and banners, they scaled the scaffolding at the front of the house of commons and unfurled two large 'troops home' banners, two 'peace' banners, and a beautufully crafted large banner of the squatters section 6 'legal warning' claiming occupation of the site.

they climbed higher and frolicked around the roof of parliament for awhile, but later, that entry point was closed and nailed shut by police.

this evening at around 8.30, a rope team appeared at one of the windows, but after discussion and negotiation, the protestors agreed not to move off their platform, either to the roof or through a window into the building. in return, police promised they could remain in place for 24 hours and that there would be no attempt to deploy the rope team.

the protestors are hoping to stay on site until the start of the debate on afghanistan tomorrow, which will be marked also by a 'stop the war coalition' protest in parliament square at noon.

the two protestors are maria gallestegui, who has a long history of protest in parliament square, and who founded the 'peace strike' protest, and 'sky warrior' who posted a great first-hand account of a previous parliamentary incursion on indymedia here

ground photos by rikki indymedia

aerial photos and videos by maria gallestegui and sky warrior

free for credited non-commercial use, otherwise usual commercial rights reserved