With the UK’s general election less than a month away now, Britain’s parliament wrapped up this month debate over several key pieces of legislation, including a sweeping new anti-terrorism bill. Called “The Serious Organized Crime Bill,” the legislation would create a new British FBI, and like the U.S. Patriot Act, has spurred intense national debate over tensions between civil rights and anti-terror law enforcement.

Among the bill’s wide-reaching proposals is one clause that would ban all forms of public protest in London’s Parliament Square. The clause was added by former UK Home Secretary David Blunkett, specifically to target one man — former British sailor in the Merchant Marine, Brian Haw, a lone protestor who for the last 4 years has held a 24-hour anti-war vigil outside the Houses of Parliament.

In this radio diary, On Point producer Meghna Chakrabarti who was recently in London and visited the Parliament Square, speaks with Brian Haw.

Guests:

Brian Haw, speaking with On Point producer Meghna Chakrabarti, in London.