Stuart Etherington, chief executive of NCVO, has slammed the arrest of anti-war protestors Brian Haw (pictured) and Barbara Tucker outside the Houses of Parliament.

Haw has been a familiar sight opposite Westminster Palace since 2001, where he maintains a round-the-clock campsite to protest against war and foreign policy.

Haw only leaves his campsite to attend court hearings and survives on food brought by supporters.

Yesterday, police with sniffer dogs arrested Haw, and another protestor at the camp, Barbara Tucker, on Parliament Square before the Queen arrived to announce the new government’s plans. 

Etherington criticised the move, saying the public must have the right to protest:

"It is rather ironic that on the day that the government announces it's intention to repeal limitations on non-violent protest, two peace protestors have been arrested for exercising their democratic rights," he said.

"In the 'Big Society' citizens must be enabled to voice their concerns and passions, not arrested for doing so."

Haw, a 60-year-old father-of-seven, has been arrested many times. The Greater London Authority, which owns the land, says it has been "increasingly concerned by the ongoing mess and chaos".