A peace campaigner who has been camping opposite the Houses of Parliament since June 2001 has won the right to stay on, despite an attempt to evict him.

Brian Haw, 53, from Redditch, Worcestershire, is protesting about economic sanctions against Iraq and the Anglo-American bombing of the country.

Westminster Council tried to win an injunction against him on Tuesday, claiming his banners and placards were obstructing the highway.

But a High Court judge refused to grant it.

Lawful rights

Mr Justice Gray ruled the obstruction was not "unreasonable".

He said Mr Haw's right to exercise his right to freedom of speech was a signficant factor he had considered in reaching his decision.

He said Mr Haw's case was that he was using the highway in a "lawful and reasonable manner to exercise his rights of freedom of expression and assembly".

Mr Haw has had both support and abuse

He said there was no evidence Mr Haw was preventing people using the pavement and the police had not taken any action or issued any warnings.

Outside the court, Westminster Council said it was "disappointed" with the ruling and would consider whether to appeal.

Mr Haw described the judge as "a man who loves justice and is as concerned about righteousness as I am".

Mr Haw, a father of seven, who was originally from Woodford, Essex, has become a tourist attraction in his own right.

He has had messages of support from people, but also suffered verbal abuse.

Public figures,including former MP Tony Benn, former CND leader Bruce Kent and Caroline Lucas MEP, have all sworn statements defending his right to protest.