Leeds Bradford Anti-militarism
Two arrested at the annual 'Independence From America' protest
07-07-2007 17:35
The Campaign for the Accountability of American Bases' (CAAB) annual Independence From America demonstration at NSA Menwith Hill was the first where protestors were not allowed to circumnavigate the base due to a Section 12 order. There were two arrests, one for wearing a shirt with the word "fuck" on it and the second for arguing against the arrest. The rally at the start was addressed by Alan Bennett and Mark Steel and the marchers from Footprints for Peace [ 1 | 2 ]. A Declaration of Independence was read out, "we... do solemnly demand the return of the land, once within the boundaries of the ancient townships of Birstwith, Felliscliffe, Norwood and Menwith, now occupied by the United States National Security Agency and their military forces.". There was a heavy police presence, food was provided by Veggies and Yorkshire CND had a stall.
Report | Photos: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Audio: 1 | 2 | 3 | 2006 Feature
Read more | 1 addition | 2 comments >>Independence From America
07-07-2006 17:56
On 4th July 2006, American Independence Day, the annual Independence from America demonstration was held at NSA Menwith Hill [ Photos: 1 | 2 ]. It was a hot and sunny Tuesday and the 100 or so protestors were outnumbered by the massive police presence, after drumming, songs from Tom Neilson and some speeches there was a circumnavigation of the expanding spy base. One woman was arrested and later released after a 'caution', see the report from Lindis and Anni for the full story.
The National Security Agency (NSA) base at Menwith Hill, near Harrogate, is the biggest US spy base outside America and it plays a key role in the interception of electronic communications — it is a part of ECHELON (Euskera article | the hardware behind Echelon), missile defence and star wars. The Campaign for the Accountability of American Bases (CAAB), the organisers of the demonstration, evolved out of the long campaign of protest at Menwith Hill, which have been going on since the 1950s, read on for links to reports of events held there over the last few years.
Read more >>Keep Space for Peace
03-10-2005 22:31
As part of an international week of protest, there were two major events in West Yorkshire.
On Saturday the 8th ther was a 'Keep Space for Peace' called by the Global Network Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space (GN) and organised by the CAAB. It took place at NSA MENWITH HILL, near Harrogate North Yorkshire.
Guest speakers were Bruce Gagnon - Coordinator of GN Drum Circle with Steve Hill of Daftasadrum. Fine grub as ever from Veggies
Yorkshire CND hosted a Conference on Saturday October 1st to launch Keep Space for Peace Week 2005. Speakers included Bruce Gagnon, founder of The Global Network Against Weapons & Nuclear Power in Space, Stacey Fritz, coordinator of No Nukes North Alaska. [Full Report]
Read more >>Local opposition to the onslaught in Fallujah
10-11-2004 23:00
Opposition to the mindless and bloody onslaught in Fallujah was marked in Leeds by several events. This banner was one of many actions taken in the city. Others included:
- A demo at Dortmind Square at the University
- A demo outside the Students Union and Hilary Benn MP's office on Wednesday
- Stencilling and subvertising all over town (why not join in!)
In York a demonstration called on the day the troops walked in attracted around 30 people at a few hours notice. The image of the death of civilians, with a mother mourning, was reprinted in the local paper the next day. [Report]
Read more >>Independence day at Menwith Hill
07-07-2004 15:52
On the 4th of July, at Menwith Hill Spy Base, protestors came to declare Independence from America. They were joined by Clandestine Insurgent Rebel Clown Army (CIRCA) and Sheffield Samba Band.
Clown Bloc were the highlight of the day, especially when we stopped at a gate, with 100 ft giant golfballs from space surrounded by razor wire, fences, fluoro police etc. The clowns formed a wall and waved us on..."Move on please, nothing to see here!"
Reports of the day were all positive, except for the complaints about the heavy handed policing. They "surround[ed] the demo with cops, not letting people leave the demo when they wanted too, and generally using their power over people to make them feel controlled and disempowered." "There were far too many police present and they were a little rough to, begin I saw a bit of pushing and shoving". "Refusing access to public footpath, which nearly kicked off at the start of the march".
Police took the names and address of drivers as they arrived, filming car number plates and passengers. The woman guiding round the base "said (after the pushing/shouting incident), that the organisers of the demo had really tried to work with the police, and as the police were being so aggressive with people, maybe they shouldn’t work with them next time."
Report, Comments and Pictures | More Pictures | Sheffield Samba's Photo Album
Read more >>Clown Army Invade Leeds
04-07-2004 18:47
In the week of the 'hand over' of power in Iraq an army formed "the Clown Provisional Authority in Leeds." Stating that "Our action is a last resort. We have no quarrel with the people of Leeds. Our purpose is to ridicule, mock, tease and undermine the rich and powerful war profiteers."
On Friday they visited: the Army recruitment centre, making them close for the day.
A visit to Labour Party offices was made to offer Hilary Benn, Cabinet Minister and MP for Leeds Central, "the position of Minister for International Clowning Development. Any further signs of careerism or profiteering from government representatives will result in custard pie interrogation and severe tickling."
Reports and Pictures: 1 | 2
Sheffield IMC report
Mass blockade at Menwith Hill US base, Friday March 19th
19-03-2004 12:00
On Friday March 19th Yorkshire CND held a mass non-violent blockade at the key US military base Menwith Hill, near Harrogate, Yorkshire, UK. They blocked 3 gates completely causing tailbacks for hours and massively disturbing the shift change-over. Menwith Hill felt compelled to issue a statement which is amazing since they never, ever speak to anyone.
"BLOCK THE BASE" started in freezing driving rain by 5am in the morning with protesters who had stayed in Leeds overnight blockading the base. Many protesters were met by police waiting for them. Yet they managed to block all four gates, many locking into place. Throughout the morning the protest was joined by more people.
The shift change, between 5.30 and 7.30, was a traffic jam. Police had moved pretty fast to try and clear two gates. Reports were they were pretty brutal with dangerous use of cutting equipment. Yorkshire CND said that despite liason some of the police behaved disgracefully and there were definite cases of extreme excessive force and violence. They want as much information and pictures as possible from anyone that was there to collect evidence. [more in article]. By 7am most of the protesters at gate one had been removed and were waiting wet and cold to be arrested. In all 30 people were arrested. Others gates were still blocked. Protesters were still arriving and demonstrating all around the base.
SeeTimeline of events
Reports and Photos: [ 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 ]
Gatecrashers Ball Marred by Chaotic Policing and 3 Arrests
07-07-2003 22:00
There is an appeal for witnesses.
Read more | 1 comment >>July 4 - Independence from America Day: Gatecrashers Ball at Menwith Hill Spy Base
04-07-2003 01:24
Leeds Says No To War on Iraq: Round-Up
30-06-2003 23:00
Leeds Bradford Anti-militarism Feature Archive >>
