..and the government gets to decide what constitutes an 'eyesore'? Presumably anyone who disagrees with their point of view and is attracting too much attention..

Owen, London, UK

I never check the e-papers on a Sunday morning, but perhaps it was predestined following a conversation I was having yesterday on this very point, the denial of a voice to the electorate where it's most effectively heard. Of course, it's encouraging, but will it last? And couldn't the rationale for banning protests in the first place not better have been articulated? "Eyesore"? Protest doesn't have an immediate beauty and, moreover, that's not the point: Doesn't it seem like tourism and leisure was the priority over satisfaction of the *demos*?

Anik, London,

He has already shown his political mastery even before sworne in as PM. I have no doubt lot more possitive changes for the good to democracy to come. The people of this country will welcome the changes Mr.Brown will make. Well done Mr. Brown.

Mohamed Rahman, Great Harwood,Blackburn, Lancashire

You have the legal situation of Brian Haw wrong. He did win an early hearing by arguing that he was not covered, but that argument was thoroughly rubbished by Appeal judges: see Haw, R (on the application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department & Anor [2006] EWCA Civ 532 (08 May 2006), which says that the Act plainly covered him and "Any other conclusion would be wholly irrational and could fairly be described as manifestly absurd."

Brian Haw's continued presence at Parliament Square is because he applied for permission and was granted it.

David Boothroyd, London, UK

Pardon me if I choke on Mr Brown's promises. He's failed in the past to listen to counter advice by the electorate and demonstrated underhanded taxation of the working classes to bolster pensions for civil servants. For whom was the term 'stealth taxation' invented? Why should the electorate believe him now?

We've all been conned before by this government. I seem to recall that Bliar also promised to listen more at the start of his second term of office and look how he turned out? Politicians, with only a few exceptions, are the parasites of our society and contribute nothing to society working all for their own, self-serving interests.

Maxadolf, Epsom, UK

It is a fundamental principle of democracy that people are entitled to express their opinions on matters, be them political or otherwise. As long as such campaigning takes place within the framework of the law, its participating individuals should not be denied this important right. Yet, the notion of political protesting should be wholly divorced from political popularity and opportunism. Although the allowing of such peaceful demonstrations can impact upon a politicians likeability, the ‘impact’ as such, in this context, is not what is at issue. The issue concerns people’s ability to be outspoken about matters that are important to them, and it is probable that the nation shares their concerns. Despite living in times where concepts such as freedom of expression, national security and political sensitivity are often competing claims, we must strive to achieve, in such a debate, the most harmonious of balances. As for Brown’s gov. reshuffle, let us hope it will be meaningful one.

Marcin Roth, London , UK

Yeah - here we go again the Prime Minister decides everything - shouldn't he propose and our MPs decide.
Mind you I think he is right - if only he would give the rest of us the right to protest the noisy protesters. A quick dose of the pipes and drums of the Black Watch would soon sort 'em out.

Henry GB, Brampton, Cumbria

"although he is said to be aware of MPs’ concerns that previous noisy demonstrations in Parliament Square have caused an eyesore and distracted workers in nearby buildings"

My goodness. That's the whole point of a protest. To make opinions seen and heard. These MPs concerned about being an eyesore have no regard for their electorate.

Adam P, Stockton-on-Tees, Teesside

If he waters down or scraps ID cards the Lib Dems and the Tories are in trouble.
He needs a clean break with the Blair control freak style of Government;if he does restore some lost freedoms he will be unstoppable.

Michael J Rigby, Blackburn, England

How did Sir Richard Mottram get the job of Chief of the Joint Intelligence Committee?

Come to think of it, he could have repeated his legendary outburst as a succinct foreword to the 'dodgy dossier' - and he'd have been right whether WMD were discovered or not.

MarkS, Leeds,