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Parliament Square 'Democracy Village' campers removed | |
(about 6 hours 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 the three-hour operation to remove tents and property at 19:30 GMT on Monday. | |
Two people were arrested during the eviction process for breaching a law preventing encampments around Parliament Square. | |
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 title="Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill" >police reform and social responsibility bill came into force, preventing encampments in certain locations around Westminster. | |
A police spokesman said some tents remained on the site, adding: "One person has launched legal proceedings. | |
"At the High Court yesterday the Met undertook not to enforce the legislation against that individual while proceedings are ongoing." | |
'Will of the people' | 'Will of the people' |
City of Westminster Council Clean Streets teams assisted officers in removing the protest camp, loading equipment into marked lorries. | |
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. | 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 that 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. | 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. |