Protester marches in for debate

5:54pm Thursday 7th February 2008

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Parliament Square peace protester Brian Haw took his campaign on the road by walking 60 miles from London to Oxford.

Mr Haw, who began a peace camp outside the Houses of Parliament in 2001, reached the city last night to address the Oxford Union.

In a recreation of the famous 1933 debate entitled This house would under no circumstance fight for its King and country, Mr Haw spoke in favour of the motion.

A group of about 20 supporters, aged from eight to 61, walked with Mr Haw since Monday, staying in churches and with Quakers along the way.

Mr Haw said: "Oxford is an important city and a great place to come for a debate. I want to get people together and walking for peace all over the country - hopefully this will be the first of many.

"We've all had blisters but everyone does when you do a walk like this.

"I've had a very pleasant reaction from people passing by and it has been a lovely walk along the A40, although the footpaths need to be upgraded."