G8: Travel Ban @ Prestwick Airport as Americans Flex Security Muscles

18th May:

A massive security clampdown has been announced around Prestwick airport for July ahead of the G8 Summit, as details emerged of US military demands for premission to act independently of domestic security forces.

An unprecidented shut down of road, rail and air travel is being planned to accompany the arrival of G8 Summit VIPs at Prestwick airport. It was recently announced that Prestwick would become the main airport for G8 Summit arrivals, after it emerged that Edinburgh airport was too easy for protestors to blockade, despite months of security planning and preparation which saw air show events cancelled in favour of using the Edinburgh airport for the G8.

It has also emerged that the Americans want the freedom to conduct their own 'security operations', independent from the UK police and military. Similar proposals caused a storm of protest in 2003 when Bush visited London and US Security chiefs wanted to close large areas of london, place helicopter gunships above Buckingham Palace, and deploy armed agents in the crowds with their own chain of command and terms of engagement.

KEY POINTS:

- America has demanded heavy US military presence during G8 summit

- America apparently demanded US command post so it can act independently of the British police and military

- Amphibious US assault ship / aircraft carrier with Marines and Helicopters to be stationed off coast

- Military commanders concerned "no-fly" periods may halt helicopter flights from HMS Gannet, the Royal Navy rescue base

- Security Advisors want to impose "30-minute total travel exclusion periods" around Pretswick Airport and beyond

- Severe disruption of road, rail and air services throughout country expected

- "Lockdowns" could lead to 30-mile tailbacks on the M77, as the effects of the security clampdown are felt as far north as Glasgow and south into Dumfriesshire.

- Around 3000 police will man Prestwick airports 14 mile perimeter

- Security arrangements could mean trouble for RYANAIR, one of Prestwick's biggest commercial airline users

- Traffic disruption updates to be provided on Westsound local radio station