by New Worker correspondent
THE LONDON Borough of Westminster last week passed a
new by-law in order to demolish the Parliament Square
peace camp and to ban protesters from a large part of central London.
The council aims to
clear the area in time for the Olympics.
The by-law gives Westminster
council the power to clear 15 streets around the square as well as other nearby
footways, pavements and gardens.
The law marks the
final act in a 10-year occupation that began when anti-war campaigner Brian Haw
set up camp. The council regarded it as an eyesore and national disgrace.
The law, which makes
it an offence not to comply with the order to remove a tent, should be in place
by March, meaning the square would be cleared in time for London 2012.
Maria Gallastegui,
53, who has been camped outside Parliament Square
protesting for five and a half years, said: "We have a nation built on a
proud heritage of peaceful protest. It is crucial now more than ever to keep
our stand at Parliament Square
as we are heading to another war, this time with Iran,
and people need to know that. We represent victims of war.
"Parliament
Square is the most symbolic position for grass
roots campaigners to highlight their causes. It is a world stage that is
photographed every day by tourists and locals alike. We have a powerful message
and we should be allowed to send it out."
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