Brian Haw

[Fosse Boy]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13828800

Peace campaigner Brian Haw has died after "a long hard fight" against lung cancer, his family has announced.

Mr Haw, 62, set up a camp in London's Parliament Square in 2001 in protest against UK and US foreign policy.

In March 2011, a High Court ruling obtained by London's mayor forced him to move his camp on to the pavement.

In a statement posted on Mr Haw's website, his family said he had died on 18 June in Germany, where he had been receiving medical treatment.

They said Mr Haw, previously from Redditch, Worcestershire, passed away in his sleep in no pain.

'Courage and determination'

An additional statement on his website from his campaign representatives said: "Brian showed great determination and courage during the many long hard years he led his Peace Campaign in Parliament Square, during which it is well documented that he was relentlessly persecuted by the authorities which eventually took its toll on his health.

Parliament Square Tents on the pavement around Parliament Square in June 2011

"Brian showed the same courage and determination in his battle with cancer. He was keenly aware of and deeply concerned that so many civilians in Iraq, Afghanistan and Palestine did not have access to the same treatments that were made available to him.

"Parliament, the police, and courts etc, should forever be ashamed of their disgraceful behaviour towards Brian."

Camp battle

Continue reading the main story

“Start Quote

I'm determined to be there until they kill me. How much longer will that be?”

End Quote Brian Haw, 2010

Mr Haw set up camp in Parliament Square Gardens on 2 June 2001, in response to sanctions against Iraq. His protest grew broader after the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq. His camp displayed photos of war victims and hand-written posters with slogans such as "baby killers".

Mr Haw fought a lengthy battle with the authorities to keep his camp in place.

Legislation passed in 2005 banned unauthorised protests within a square mile of Parliament, but a drafting error saw Mr Haw win a legal battle to remain.

In May 2010, Mr Haw was charged with obstructing police during searches of tents on the green. Speaking after a court appearance, he set out his intention to remain in the square for the rest of his life.

"We're there because our country is committing infanticide, genocide, the looting of nations. I'm determined to be there until they kill me. How much longer will that be?"

In March this year, Mayor of London Boris Johnson won a possession order to evict Mr Haw and other campaigners from Parliament Square Gardens, which is owned by the Greater London Authority (GLA).

Mr Haw and many of the protesters subsequently moved on to the pavement - owned by Westminster Council. Westminster Council has been seeking a removal order, on the grounds the camp is obstructing the public highway.

If the council wins its court bid, the camp could be permanently removed.

[Guest Bilo]

RIP to the man, I personally had massive respect for him.

I may not have agreed with all of his views but the balls he showed in displaying them made me tip my hat to him.

[skinnydipper]

One day campaigning for peace

Next day Rest in Peace

[Cat Burger]

One day you're singing round the fire,

The next day you are the fire.

RIP.

[Jon the Hat]

You have to admire the man, demonstrating peacefully for a decade takes courage patience and an incredible certainty of purpose.

RIP.

[Zingari]

inspirational bloke

i just read that david icke had funded his treatment in switzerland

if true , well done mr icke ,

[DANGEROUS TIGER]

A great man. He was dedicated, in his beliefs.

God Bless.