RAF Fairford ruled out of any Iran attack

The depth of anti war feeling in Britain has caused two changes in US policy, according to reports in yesterday’s Scottish Herald newspaper. A Pentagon official has confirmed that interceptor missiles for the US ‘Son of Star Wars’ missile defence system will not be sited in the UK. The official cited the strong domestic opposition to the ongoing occupation of Iraq as a primary reason for this decision. At the same time, participation of RAF Fairford just outside Swindon, has been ruled out of any possiblle attack on Iran, for the same reason.

RAF Fairford was the scene of a number of protests during the build up to the 2003 invasion of Iraq, including breaches of the perimeter fence, and while the bombing was in progress a very successful peace camp was established. On 20th March 2003 there was a national demonstration at Fairford of around 10000 people.

In response to the article in the Herald , Kate Hudson, Chair of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) said, “This is a strong indication of the growing power of peace campaigning in the UK... This is a victory for peace and democracy. The majority of the British people want no part in these preparations for further militarisation and war.”

Unfortunately the government is still planning UK participation in the missile defence system, via the Fylingdales and Menwith Hill sites in Yorkshire. Ms Hudson said, “The widely accepted consequence of this missile defence system is that it provokes a new nuclear arms race as nations seek a way to get around it or through it. Any site that plays a part in this missile defence system will make that country a target for any potential enemy. Whilst it is a positive step that interceptors will not come to Britain, both Fylingdales and Menwith Hill are already allocated significant roles in a US missile defence system. This puts the people of Britain at risk - indeed it puts them on the front line in a future war. The US must end its dangerous and provocative plans for a missile defence system.”