U.S. Bases in U.K.

Twice in the last month, Lindis Percy of the Campaign for the Accountability of American Bases (CAAB) has had trespass charges dismissed. Her repeated arrests at Royal Air Force (RAF) bases are the result of peaceful protests over space warfare plans, and the increasing authority the U.S. military has taken over British bases. The arrests occurred at RAF Croughton last March, and RAF Waddington on June 29. In both cases, the Americans have backed off prosecution, reportedly fearing a trial would reveal embarrassing evidence about their relationship to the British Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Her June 29 arrest on "suspicion of criminal damage" occurred as she drove by RAF Waddington, on her way home from research at two other military facilities. She was held for 13 hours while her car was searched. The citation claimed she had tools in her custody "intending without lawful excuse to use the same or to cause or permit another to use the same to destroy or damage property belonging to the Royal Air Force..." And if the alleged thought of crime were not enough, the record of her car search says "Object [of search]: Prohibited articles, items can [be] used in terrorism... Grounds [of search]: Terrorism, known protester against Americans..." Percy vigorously denied the allegations, and pled not guilty. On July 16, prosecutors informed Percy that the case was dropped.

In April, the MoD petitioned to have Percy declared bankrupt because she refuses to pay nearly £50,000 in legal costs. "Even if I had the money I wouldn't pay it," the visiting nurse told a reporter. "What I'm involved in is a public interest and health issue. I can't separate this from my job in public health."

Another of the American bases facing opposition is at Fylingdales, North Yorkshire. There a huge radar station plays a critical treaty-busting role in the U.S. "missile defense" scheme. Two Trident Ploughshares activists await trial after blocking the road at the conclusion of a June 15 "Don't Start Wars" demonstration at Fylingdales, attended by about 400 people.

For more information, contact the Campaign for the Accountability of American Bases, 8 Park Row, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 1HQ, England, UK email: anniandlindis@caab.org.uk, web: www.caab.org.uk.