BRIAN IN THE HIGH COURT TODAY

Today, 3 April 2006, the Home Office were appealing the decision taken in the High Court last July, that Brian Haw is exempt from the measures in the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 which ban unauthorised protest near Parliament.

The Home Office, the Metropolitan Police (as an interested party) and Brian's barrister all made submissions based on arguments about what the relevant sections of the law say and how they should be interpreted, what Parliament's intention was in passing the law and the legality of the extra measures included in the secondary legislation under which Brian would have to seek authorisation.

NO DECISION YET

The 3 judges retired to consider the submissions and will give their verdict another day, possibly next week, maybe earlier.

If the Home Office wins this appeal, that will be mean Brian will no longer be exempt and his demonstration could be removed from Parliament Square.

However, if the decision does go against Brian, he may be able to appeal to the House of Lords. He may or may not have to move from Parliament Square while this happens.

WILL BRIAN BE EVICTED?

It is possible that such a decision could lead to the start of eviction proceedings straight away - we just don't know.

We will of course get the word out as soon as we have a clearer idea.

A GREAT SHOW OF SUPPORT

Quite a few people came to the High Court today to demonstrate outside and to hear the proceedings. The court room was packed! There was loads of media outside and a
great feeling of solidarity.