On this day 25 years ago, Brian Haw began his peace vigil in Parliament Square, first protesting sanctions on Iraq, then the Iraq war itself, and then the toxic legacy it left behind. He camped 24/7 for many years while an embarrassed government continually tried to find ways to remove and repress him via lawfare as well as police intimidation and violence.
After nearly a decade his vigil finally ended in 2010 when he was diagnosed with cancer. He died aged 62, a few months later in Berlin, where he was receiving treatment.
Filmmaker Rikki Blue spent two years getting to know Brian and his band of supporters, and documenting the many battles in the courts and in the streets.
Brian attracted wide support, including from Turner prize winner Mark Wallinger and street artist Banksy, comedian/activist Mark Thomas, members of parliament John McDonnell and Tony Benn, and from the Occupy movement.
The film focusses on clauses in the government’s Serious Organised Crime and Policing Act (SOCPA) which brought in new restrictions on protest near parliament, and ultimately on how a web of resistance defeated the government. The soundtrack includes the then relatively unknown Kae Tempest and songwriter/singer Sarah Bear.
The full hour-long documentary was originally released 20 years ago but its story resonates at a time when government has again turned to increasingly repressive law-making in the face of effective protest. It is available to watch online by donation. Please support independent media.
