Statue of peace campaigner Brian Haw unveiled near Parliament, 20 years after Parliament tried to silence him
Briefly

Brian Haw, a peace campaigner who protested near Parliament Square for almost ten years, became an enduring symbol of political dissent despite attempts by the government to remove him through the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005. The law sought to prohibit protests within 1km of Parliament, targeting Haw directly. However, his encampment remained due to the law's non-retroactive application. Following his death in 2011, efforts to memorialize him culminated in 2023 with the installation of a statue in south London, opposite the Imperial War Museum, honoring his commitment to peace activism.
In June 2001, Brian Haw began a peace protest in Parliament Square, but the 2005 law aimed to stifle his voice; a statue now commemorates his legacy.
The Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 was primarily designed to eliminate Haw's protest, yet its retrospective application failed, allowing him to persist.
Despite the government’s intention to expel Brian Haw from Parliament Square, his makeshift camp became a symbol of resistance and a testament to free speech.
A statue of Brian Haw was unveiled in south London, symbolizing a lasting recognition of his dedication to peace and protest against the backdrop of political frustration.
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