Campaigners brought the offices of Brighton's two Labour MPs to a standstill when they took over the building.

About 35 people protesting against the Government's Prevention of Terrorism Bill took part in the peaceful occupation of the offices on the first floor of the Unison building in Preston Road.

They entered the building with a banner reading "Who are the real terrorists?" and stayed for about an hour before leaving at 3.30pm, their exit coinciding with the start of the controversial Bill's final reading in Parliament.

Police attended and officers entered the building to persuade the demonstrators to leave. Inspector Ivor Fabb said: "Having made their protest by occupying the offices, the demonstrators left when requested."

The group, Brighton Prevent the Terrorism Act, have also occupied a vacant building in North Road, Brighton, for a week in protest against the Bill.

A spokesman said: "The Bill is broadening the concept of terrorism to include all people such as campaigners against GM foods and peaceful protesters. "We are all going to be affected by it because it is criminalising peaceful action."

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