Reports

Campaign for the  Accountability of  American  Bases

Annual ‘Independence From America’ demonstration
Friday 4th July 2008, Menwith Hill - 5-10pm

It was a beautiful sunny evening in the Yorkshire Dales, outside the main entrance to NSA/USAF Menwith Hill near Harrogate, North Yorkshire.  We set up the trailer, again supplied by a local farmer which turned into a makeshift stage; and stalls and gazeboes all ready for the annual Independence from America demonstration. 

The police presence was extensive with police cars patrolling round the base, police in van loads waiting inside the base, police horses, police on pedal bikes and police on foot.  Inside the base the Ministry of Defence Police Agency presence had been increased by the Operations Support Unit and police on quad bikes.  All people present were videoed and photographed and car registration number plates taken. It was intrusive, excessive, intimidating and not necessary given the nature of the demonstration which has always been peaceful.  We will be taking this up with North Yorkshire police.

Everything was ready by 5 o’clock and the people started to trickle in a few at a time.  Steve Morris played music from his ‘Revolutionary Lion Sound System’ as a coach load of people from Sheffield arrived.  Then it was over to Steve Hill (aka Daft as a Drum) to start up his drumming workshop for beginners and experts alike.  Karl Dallas – folk singer also played.

‘Continuity’ for the demonstration was by Martin Schweiger, Public Health Physician, Quaker and persistent campaigner who came on stage to welcome everybody (maybe 150 or so people) to the demonstration and to read out the Declaration of Independence from America.  Everyone joined in and the poignancy of the words were felt by all – see CAAB website for a copy.

Martin introduced the first speaker Mike Love (Leeds Together for Peace).  Mike has known Lindis for many years and represented her in many court cases in the past when he has acted as her solicitor. He spoke about the need to be inclusive and that the message of peace was not just for those of outside the base, but extended to all, including those inside. Mike talked about the need to spend precious resources on human needs rather than weapons and that the world needs love and cooperation with each other.

Next to speak was Dr Caroline Lucas (MEP Green Party) who referred to the lack of accountability and any credible democratic scrutiny surrounding Menwith Hill of Menwith Hill and other US bases, the crucial role of Menwith Hill in the American Missile Defense system. Caroline called for the Government to be far more open about the arrangements with the USA about the American military presence in the UK. She spoke about the need for courage in politics and to speak the truth. She also called for us to recognise the links between policies and military expenditure which diverts precious resources. Fighting wars is not carbon neutral.

And finally, Anas Altikriti (spokesman British Muslim Initiative) talked about the illegal catastrophic war in Iraq.  He was born in Iraq.  He spoke about anxiety amongst Asian men and women from being in places where they could be seen by the police as subversive. Those who had planned to come with him had decided not to come if there was a chance they could be photographed by the police taking part in the event. He also spoke about the erosion of civil liberties. All speakers spoke movingly and raised the issues surrounding US bases like Menwith Hill.

Lindis Percy was the auctioneer for a lively event, when some framed, classic pictures of significant peace movement moments in history (donated by Anni Rainbow) were snapped up.  The proceeds went to CAAB funds.

Next on the trailer was Seize the Day (see www.seizetheday.org) who performed a number of their original, funny and political numbers for a very appreciative crowd who sang and danced along with them for over an hour.

After Seize the Day,  we then started the customary walk around the base.  Again North Yorkshire Police had imposed conditions which again meant that we could not do the usual walk round the base. (Liberty have taken up this further erosion of civil liberties).  It was led by Lindis Percy and Dave Webb (Yorkshire CND).

As the walkers set off ‘Lunch out Lils’ were just setting up - a little late as they broke down on the way over!  When the walkers returned they all agreed that it was well worth the wait.  The veggie wraps were a real treat followed by vegan cakes.

As the light began to fade,  a local punk/ rock band (still to be named!) pumped up and fired a few tunes for those who were still in the mood to dance.  They finished with their own version of ‘I’m so excited’ which had most people swaying along with them, some jumping along with them! 

The unnamed band (Dave and his mates) were then abruptly halted as Martin Schweiger announced that Lindis Percy had been arrested for breach of bail conditions (by stepping over the ‘yellow line’ while giving information about the base on the walk – the officer had not taken any action at the time).  She had been taken to Harrogate Police Station.  She was held overnight night and appeared in court the next morning where the Magistrates reimposed the same bail conditions.  Although the mood of the demonstration changed from what had been peaceful and joyous to a much angrier atmosphere because of Lindis’s arrest, a wonderful flautist, Debbie Ashworth then performed acoustically.  Her sounds were both haunting and poignant.  As she played, the notes were carried across the Dales and those still present were left silent and contemplative – a wonderful end to a very good evening.

A huge thank you to all those who took part and attended this wonderful gathering of people.  It was so heart warming to receive the help and support of so many individuals that made this demonstration so special for everyone involved.

It was such a shame that the event was marred by the actions of the MoD Police Agency in their decision to make a sneaky and unnecessary arrest in what had been otherwise a truly special and peaceful occasion.  We will still continue with our demonstrations outside the main gate to Menwith Hill each and every Tuesday between 6pm and 8pm.  Please join us if you can.

We are now planning the next demonstration which is to be on Saturday 4 October 2008 at 12 – 4 pm – part of the annual international call for a week of protest by the Global Network Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space – KEEP SPACE FOR PEACE – outside the main entrance to NSA/USAF Menwith Hill.  Menwith Hill is crucially connected with the American Missile Defense system – more details on the CAAB website nearer the time.

In peace and hopes of justice,

Laila Packer
Coordinator with Lindis Percy
Campaign for the Accountability of American Bases
www.caab.org.uk