Anti-protest rules upheld in UK High Court

New rules preventing demonstrators sleeping near the Houses of Parliament in London were upheld by the High Court in a landmark ruling today.

Two judges rejected a test case human rights challenge brought by veteran peace campaigner Maria Gallastegui, who has been conducting an authorised 24-hour vigil on the East Pavement of Parliament Square in London since 2006.

Sir John Thomas, who is president of the Queen’s Bench Division, sitting with Mr Justice Silber, said the rules were “plainly” lawful and did not offend against the Human Rights Act.