Following the demonstration organised by Yorkshire and national CND on Saturday at Fylingdales, campaigners will gather at the American base at Menwith Hill near Harrogate, this Saturday (2 October 2004 - 12 md - 4pm) to protest at the role this base is preparing to play in the American Missile Defense system ("Star Wars").
Titled '2004 Space Oddity', this demonstration is part of an international week of protest ('KEEP SPACE FOR PEACE') called for by the US-based group - the Global Network Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space. People are encouraged to dress accordingly. Other groups coming are Rythms of Resistance (Sheffield), the Leeds based group - the Peace Artistes and there will be a drumming workshop. Police presence is expected to be considerable.
For the fourth year running the demonstration is organised by the Campaign for the Accountability of American Bases (CAAB).
Lindis Percy (Joint Co-ordinator with Anni Rainbow - CAAB) said: "Star Wars" is a dangerous, costly and crazy system. Menwith Hill is already part of this programme with the UK government - true to form - slipping this in, minus any semblance of the democratic process. It is another example of doing whatever the US regime ask for.
Notes for Editors:
Menwith Hill was designated the European Ground Relay Station for the Space Based Infra Red System (SBIRS- now renamed Space Tracking and Surveillance System - STSS) in March 1997. CAAB first found out about the role Menwith Hill would play by discovering a Press Release in a file in Harrogate Planning office.
Menwith Hill and Fylingdales are crucial components of AMD and the bases are linked making North Yorkshire a prime target for terrorist attention.
Despite the system having serious flaws and being way behind schedule, it is expected that George W Bush will announce soon that the American Missile Defense System is 'deployed'.
Geoff Hoon - Secretary of State for Defence said in June this year "The Prime Minister and Cabinet are fully supportive of the US Ballistic Missile Defense System in principle".
For interest: Lindis Percy climbed the gates of Buckingham Palace last year to protest at the State visit by George W Bush.
For more information:
Contact: Anni Rainbow - 01943 466405
Lindis Percy - mobile: 07949897904 or 01482 702033
For the fourth year running the demonstration is organised by the Campaign for the Accountability of American Bases (CAAB).
Lindis Percy (Joint Co-ordinator with Anni Rainbow - CAAB) said: "Star Wars" is a dangerous, costly and crazy system. Menwith Hill is already part of this programme with the UK government - true to form - slipping this in, minus any semblance of the democratic process. It is another example of doing whatever the US regime ask for.
Notes for Editors:
Menwith Hill was designated the European Ground Relay Station for the Space Based Infra Red System (SBIRS- now renamed Space Tracking and Surveillance System - STSS) in March 1997. CAAB first found out about the role Menwith Hill would play by discovering a Press Release in a file in Harrogate Planning office.
Menwith Hill and Fylingdales are crucial components of AMD and the bases are linked making North Yorkshire a prime target for terrorist attention.
Despite the system having serious flaws and being way behind schedule, it is expected that George W Bush will announce soon that the American Missile Defense System is 'deployed'.
Geoff Hoon - Secretary of State for Defence said in June this year "The Prime Minister and Cabinet are fully supportive of the US Ballistic Missile Defense System in principle".
For interest: Lindis Percy climbed the gates of Buckingham Palace last year to protest at the State visit by George W Bush.
For more information:
Contact: Anni Rainbow - 01943 466405
Lindis Percy - mobile: 07949897904 or 01482 702033
