Bruce, Coordinator of the Global Network Against Nuclear Weapons and Power in Space, was visiting Oxford as part of a speaking tour across Britain to raise awareness of the proposed US missile defence system which will involve the use of bases across Europe. At a meeting in Oxford Town Hall, Bruce outlined US plans, which involve the use of bases at Fylingdales and Menwith Hill in Yorkshire. Components will also be based in Poland and the Czech Republic. The government has already agreed to US use of Menwith Hill and Fylingdales despite huge public, and local, opposition and a complete lack of consultation.

After the meeting, John Tanner and Bruce went to RAF Croughton where they planted an oak tree for peace. The former RAF base on the Oxfordshire/Northamptonshire border is now the site of a major US communications base which handles almost a third of all US military communication within Europe, and has a wide military command and control function.

The meeting and tree planting were organised by Oxfordshire Peace Campaign, which brings together peace groups from across the county. OPC Coordinator, Gawain Little, said “These events are part of the activities we are organising to draw attention to the US proposals on Missile Defence, and Britain’s part in it. This system threatens to provoke a new cold war and will make Britain a target for attacks against the US. It will do nothing to help stabilise the world situation and we must oppose it now while we have the chance.”

RAF Croughton will also be the site of a Demonstration called by OPC during Keep Space for Peace week, an international week of protest which will include demonstrations at Menwith Hill, Fylingdales, many locations in the US and elsewhere in the world. Protestors will assemble at RAF Croughton at 12noon on the 6th October for a march around the perimeter fence ending with a rally, speakers, music and picnic.

Speakers at the demonstration will include Kate Hudson, Chair of CND, Lindis Percy, Coordinator of The Campaign for the Accountability of American Bases (CAAB) and Dave Webb from Yorkshire CND.

Transport will be leaving central Oxford at 11am and further details are available from:
07967 39 2229