As it was Christmas Eve we had expected that a spirit of seasonal goodwill would be shown by the police present.  This however was not to be.

We were dismayed to find that there was a significant police presence from both North Yorkshire police and the Ministry of Defence police Agency and that North Yorkshire police were to immediately act in a very heavy-handed and draconian way.

Christine Dean,  who has campaigned and opposed the role and function of Menwith Hill since the beginning of the 1980s and is also a long time supporter of CAAB (there is no membership of CAAB) was immediately arrested for allegedly obstructing the highway.  She was holding a banner which said "STOP STAR WARS" with Mike Davies (Chairman of the Alliance for Green Socialism).  Mike was also arrested.  It was the first time that Mike had been to the regular CAAB Tuesday evening demonstration.

Christine and Mike were held for 4 hours at Harrogate police station and asked to accept a 'caution'.  They both refused (independently) to accept the caution as they know they did not commit any alleged offence.  They were then charged with the alleged offence of 'wilful obstruction of the highway'.  Police bail conditions were imposed 'not to go within 100 metres of RAF Menwith Hill.  Christine and Mike intend to make an application to Harrogate Magistrates' Court to vary bail conditions.

It is even more important and necessary  than ever (because of the role of Menwith Hill and the role the base is already playing and will play in the attack on Iraq) that these demonstrations continue with as many people as possible.

We ask that as many people as possible come to these demonstrations as we believe that the actions of North Yorkshire police were on the directives of the US bases authorities who do not like the effective and regular Tuesday evening demonstrations.  What happened on 24 December is an attempt it seems once again to arrest, charge and impose bail conditions so as to limit the effectiveness of the protest and perhaps intimidate those who are focussed. However CAAB will not go away.

For those who live close enough:

Lindis Percy (Joint Co-ordinator with Anni Rainbow of CAAB) is unable to be present at the next demonstration (31 December 2002 due to family commitments).   Therefore Anni Rainbow desperately needs a licenced driver to enable her to attend.  Please will anyone who can help contact Anni: caab@btclick.com or tel no: 01943 466405

The demonstration organised by CAAB is every Tuesday evening (7-9 pm)  outside the temporary gate (Nessfield gate) on the B6451 Menwith Hill to Pateley Bridge road.  Please try to bring someone with you as well as banners.

(See Menwith Hill News Items for further news)