RAF Menwith Hill is part of the US Defence communications network.
Demonstrations have been taking place there since the early 1980s and continue every Tuesday because of the Menwith Hill Accountability Campaign (MHAC).
Members of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) and the (MHAC) want to make the activities carried out at the Menwith Hill station by the US Department of Defense (DoD) accountable to the UK government and to the local people.
Protestors wore high-visibility clothing and temporarily halted traffic outside of the exit to the station, standing in front of cars with placards, banners, and flags.
One such protestor was Sarah Swift, the coordinator of the weekly demonstration and member of the (MHAC).
She said: “More people are entering into a space arms race, it’s a bit like the Grand National people are going to fall at the first fence.” – “You could have a nuclear war started by accident.”
Sam Legg, Yorkshire CND’s events & campaigns coordinator explained that they: “Want space to be used for peaceful purposes and for the benefit of all countries and humankind.”
He said Menwith Hill and other stations: “Are key components of the US missile defence system. This system is designed to give the US global control of space.”
A Ministry of Defence (MOD) spokesperson said:
“The MOD fully respects people’s right to protest within the law and we would do nothing to prevent members of the public exercising their right to peaceful protest.”
However, they added: “We also have a duty to protect public property and maintain security at all defence installations to ensure that we meet our operational needs.”
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