Protesters target spy base

Campaigners oppose the US Military's use of Menwith Hill

Campaigners have been demonstrating outside a spy base in North Yorkshire against its use in the US "Son of Star Wars" missile defence programme.

The demonstration at Menwith Hill, near Harrogate, was one of a series being held across the world against the use of weapons in space.

The event had the theme of "keep space for peace" and protesters dressed as celestial bodies.

Members of the Campaign for the Accountability of American Bases (CAAB) and the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) oppose the use of the base by the US Military.

CND spokesman Neil Kingsworth said: "Menwith Hill is an unaccountable abomination.

"This US base, purporting to be run by the RAF, is a joke to democracy and a symbol of the true nature of the supposed special relationship."

Speakers outside the gates of Menwith Hill included Chris Davies, MEP for the North West, and Professor Dave Webb, convenor of Yorkshire CND.

Demonstrations took place in countries including the USA, Romania, Australia, Syria, Japan, Germany and Sweden.