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New laws could end long protests
NEW legislation could put an end to overnight demonstrations in Parliament Square.
Proposals were drawn up at an emergency meeting between the leader of Westminster Council Colin Barrow, Mayor Boris Johnson, Parliament speaker Michael Martin and the Metropolitan Police, following two recent sit-in protests by British Tamils that brought traffic chaos to the square. Tamil protesters say they will fight the legislation.
Westminster Council hopes the new rules, which would affect all protesters including veteran peace campaigner Brian Haw, can be pushed through before the end of June.
Council leader Colin Barrow said: “We want to see the square policed for all, not for a vociferous minority of protesters. We’ll back legitimate protest, but not when it becomes permanent, or ongoing residence of a place that everyone – visitors and Londoners – should be able to enjoy. But to police this part of central London, Parliament must decide to legislate and change existing law to limit lengthy and disruptive protests.”
Police confirmed the Tamil protesters have lawful permission to continue the demonstration until May 25.
British Tamil Pavani Srikanda said: “We draw strength from the fact that we’ve put ourselves on the parliamentary agenda.”
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