A new statue honoring Brian Haw, a peace campaigner, was recently unveiled in London. Haw gained recognition for his nearly decade-long protest in Parliament Square against UK and US foreign policy. Despite being removed from the square shortly before his death in 2011 at the age of 62, his legacy lives on through the statue that now faces the Imperial War Museum in Lambeth.
The statue unveiling was a poignant moment for his three children, who were present at the ceremony. Actor Sir Mark Rylance, a patron of the Stop the War coalition and a supporter of the statue campaign, praised Haw for his unwavering commitment to his beliefs. Rylance spoke highly of Haw’s “bright sense of conscience” and emphasized Haw’s passionate call to end violence against children.
Throughout his years in Parliament Square, Haw made a significant impact with his anti-war messages and protests, particularly against the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Sculpted by artist Amanda Ward, the bronze statue of Haw stands at 72cm tall outside the one-mile exclusion zone around Parliament. Inscribed beneath his likeness are the words: “Stop killing the kids!” The statue serves as a lasting symbol of Haw’s dedication to peace and as a reminder of the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully.
The unveiling of the statue was made possible through the efforts of supporters and friends, including Sir Mark Rylance, who launched a campaign in February 2023 to commemorate Haw’s advocacy for peace. The campaign garnered support from over 1,000 members of the public, raising more than £25,000 to fund the creation and installation of the statue. Haw’s lasting impact on activism and his call for peaceful resolutions to conflicts will now be remembered and celebrated through this statue in London
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