July 4 2010 – What went on
| Independence FROM America |
|
|
|
Photos of the annual Independence FROM America demonstration on 4 July 2010 Photos by Roy St Pierre What went on – 4 July 2010 at the American base at Menwith Hill Menwith Hill celebrated independence from Great Britain (1776) the week before the traditional date – 4 July each year. Maybe this was because we were there to call for independence FROM America on that date. It was the annual demonstataion ‘Independence FROM America’ at the American base at Menwith Hill. There has been a demonstration here since 1982. Having had glorious hot summer weather for a lovely long time, on 4 July it changed! Very strong winds and the heavens opened. About 200 people came which was more people than last year. Perhaps this was because Mark Thomas (comedian and political activist) and Peter Tatchell (Human rights activist) were the guest speakers as well as an excellent ‘line up’ of musicians. This year the general theme was in line with the World Cup – the goal is Independence FROM America. Steve Hill (Daftasadrum) started the demonstration with a wonderful drumming workshop. The demonstration was hosted by Martin Schweiger (doctor, activist and Quaker). Moira Hill and Peter Kenyon read the Declaration of Independence FROM America (amended original version). Mark Thomas spoke and was Mark Thomas (!) and signed copies of ‘the Peoples Manifesto’. Sadly Peter Tatchell could not come, having rung on the morning of the demonstration to say that he had a ferocious migraine. People signed a get well card at the demonstration which we sent. Mark handed in a large Red Card which people had signed adding inspirational messages to Mary O’Brien as to why Menwith Hill should go. Whistles were blown as this was happening. (We had written to Mary O’Brien to say we would like her to receive the Red Card – David Elliott (RAF Liaison officer) replied saying they were both at a prior engagement and that a representative of the Ministry of Defence Police Agency would receive it. If anyone hasn’t heard Roy Bailey before (socialist folk singer – he has a website) then you missed something very special. He sold some of this CDs including his latest one. East Lancs Clarion Choir sang (unaccompanied) some lovely songs. The wonderful folk band Seize the Day played while the heavens opened and a band from Preston played before we walked round the base. Dave Bevan and his team provided delicious quality vegetarian food throughout. The walk was special in that we had retrieved a small civil liberty (a bit of a struggle!). North Yorkshire police (NYP) have prevented the traditional walk round the base for the past three years by putting on conditions (Public Order Act 1986). CAAB contacted Liberty once again and this year with their help NYP agreed that we could walk round Menwith Hill and further more they would help; our argument was that it is the duty of the police to enable protest as protest is one of our Human Rights (‘right to assemble’ and ‘freedom of expression’). We had carefully liaised with NYP and had met senior officers before to stress these points. The police were excellent – polite, helpful and courteous (how effective are we being?!!!!) and as they used to be at these demonstrations. Please refer to the letter we wrote to Aubrey Smith (Chief Inspector NYP) on website www.caab.org.uk (use the link just below this box). There were very few police visible (all tucked up on the base), no police horses or police vehicles etc etc or any ‘evidence gathering’ officers to be seen. Police on cycles helped with the walk. The traffic was ’shepherded’ by police on motor bikes. Many thanks to everyone who helped to make the demonstration possible including Liberty. We are now planning the next annual demonstration (Keep Space for Peace) on 2 October 2010 at Menwith Hill – more details nearer the time. MENWITH HILL NEEDS CONSTANT ATTENTION: Please come to the weekly demonstration outside the main Lindis Percy and Laila Packer Letter to North Yorkshire Police sent after the demonstration |
Press release from Liberty
Protest walk goes ahead with Liberty’s support, 13 Jul 2010
A long-standing annual protest against the American military base at Menwith Hill went ahead on 4 July, despite an initial stance by police that they would no longer facilitate the event. Had this decision stood, organisers may have been forced to abandon the walk because of the prohibitive logistical and financial burden of securing road closure orders and the like.
Liberty’s legal team wrote to North Yorkshire Police to remind them of their responsibility to ensure that lawful peaceful protests can take place. As a result, police revisited their position and on Sunday 4 July the walk took place as planned.
Liberty’s Legal Director, James Welch, said:
“North Yorkshire Police are to be congratulated for seeing sense. Democracy only works when people are free to express dissent, and our police forces have a duty to uphold and support this right.
Liberty is pleased to have helped secure this very positive outcome.”
Lindis Percy, co-ordinator of the Campaign for Accountability of American Bases (CAAB) which organises the annual protest walk, said:
“It was important that we re-established the walk round the base as it is the duty of the police to enable peaceful protest. With Liberty’s help we re-established the protest walk and retrieved an
important civil liberty.”
Contact the Liberty press office on 020 7378 3656 or 07973 831128
Contact the Campaign for the Accountability of American Bases – CAAB at www.caab.org.uk
NOTES TO EDITORS
There has been a demonstration at the American military base at Menwith Hill, near Harrogate North Yorkshire since 1982. Held annually on 4 July, it had to be abandoned last year due to North
Yorkshire Police’s unwillingness to facilitate the demonstration.
