This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/uk-england-london-16587406

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
'Democracy village' removed from Parliament Square 'Democracy village' removed from Parliament Square
(40 minutes later)
A protest camp in London's Parliament Square has been cleared by police.A protest camp in London's Parliament Square has been cleared by police.
Scotland Yard said officers began to remove tents and property from the green at 19:30 GMT.Scotland Yard said officers began to remove tents and property from the green at 19:30 GMT.
Campaigners set up the "Democracy Village" in May 2010, where they have protested against a variety of issues including the war in Afghanistan.Campaigners set up the "Democracy Village" in May 2010, where they have protested against a variety of issues including the war in Afghanistan.
The removal comes after the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill came into force, preventing encampments in the square.The removal comes after the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill came into force, preventing encampments in the square.
Campaigners had maintained a presence on the street displaying signs, banners and flags. A police spokesman said there was no disruption as officers removed the camp.
They were evicted in July by the Greater London Authority following a High Court order, but some protesters then pitched up to 30 tents on the pavement next to the lawn, which is owned by Westminster Council. City of Westminster Council Clean Streets teams were assisting officers in removing the protest camp, loading equipment into marked lorries.
The Bill, which received Royal Assent in September, gives authorities more powers to tackle protests like the Parliament Square camp. 'Will of the people'
Outgoing council leader Colin Barrow said: "For too long local people and tourists have been unable to fully enjoy the square. This is a tragedy and the sooner this historic site can be enjoyed by the public the better.
"Westminster Council is currently pursuing a by-law to ensure we can manage the area for everyone.
"The police action follows the clear will of the people, expressed through Parliament, to remove this encampment."
Campaigners - initially led by the late peace campaigner Brian Haw - have maintained a presence outside parliament for about a decade where they have displayed signs, banners and flags.
The group which set up camp on the green were evicted in July by the Greater London Authority following a High Court order but some protesters then pitched up to 30 tents on the pavement next to the lawn, which is owned by Westminster Council.
The Bill, which received Royal Assent in September, gives authorities more powers to tackle protests such as the Parliament Square camp.
It also bans protests in areas including Whitehall, Bridge Street, the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre and Westminster Abbey.It also bans protests in areas including Whitehall, Bridge Street, the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre and Westminster Abbey.