Are we finally going to get rid of Brian Haw and the squatter camp ("Democracy Village") on Parliament Square? And why is he a hero and inspiration to so many who should really know better? John Rentoul:
It seems to be a typical Did Magna Carta Die In Vain confusion, brought on by the site’s proximity to the Palace of Westminster.
Were not all of Britain’s ancient liberties secured by camping in Parliament Square? Did the Levellers not pitch their tents there? Did Joan of Arc not go to stake for the right to read out the names of dead soldiers outside Downing Street? Or something.
The phrases “freedom of expression”, “right to protest” and “civil liberties” seem to turn some intelligent brains to mush. Brian Haw needs help, not indulgence. He has been in Parliament Square for nine years, which is eight years and 364 days longer than he should have been.
Mick Hartley 
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