Anti-war protester arrested at parliament

Brian Haw, the anti-war protester who has lived at a one-man peace camp outside Parliament since June 2001, was arrested yesterday on suspicion of obstructing the police.

Mr Haw, 56, and a supporter, Barbara Tucker, 44, were taken to Charing Cross police station before their release last night, pending a decision by the Crown Prosecution Service. Scotland Yard said Ms Tucker was arrested " on suspicion of unlawfully demonstrating in Parliament Square".

Mr Haw said the incident began when police tried to confiscate one of his banners. "It's a beautiful pink banner with large black letters which say 'Bliar War Criminal'." Ms Tucker said: "Because it was Mother's day, I thought I should be down there with Brian, praying for other people's children."