6 August 2006: for immediate release
The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament today welcomed the establishment of a peace camp at Prestwick airport, after a night of more flights and the arrest of four peace protestors.
Shortly after 11pmSaturday night, four peace activists entered Prestwick airport to conduct a Citizens’ Weapons Inspection, in the light of public concerns about the transport of weapons from the United States to Israel via UK territory. They observed one US Air Force plane on the tarmac, and four Atlas cargo planes landed during the time they were present in the area. One of the planes that landed was met by three fire engines, suggesting that hazardous cargo was on board, possibly explosives.
The four protestors, Stephan Vanesing, Rolf Bullen, Sylvia Boyce and Kate Holcombe, were arrested shortly after 1am this morning (Sunday). They are in custody until Tuesday.
A peace camp has now been established opposite the terminal at Prestwick Airport, and the organisers welcome supporters to join them. The contact for the Prestwick camp is Lesley on 07966 649 370.
Peace camps will also be established this week at RAF Mildenhall and RAF Brize Norton, where weapons transportations from the US to Israel have also landed. The contact for these camps is Mell on 07760 161 755.
Kate Hudson, Chair of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, said:
‘The government must put a stop to these transportations. They make us complicit in the deaths of innocent civilians. We welcome the establishment of these peace camps – they are an indication of the widespread moral outrage felt by the British people over this issue. We want an end to this war, and full backing from our Prime Minister for an unconditional and immediate ceasefire.’
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Notes to Editor:
1. For further information and interviews please contact Rick Wayman, CND’s Press & Communications Officer, on 0207 7002350 or 07968 420859
2. The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) is one of Europe’s biggest single-issue peace campaigns, with over 32,000 members in the UK. CND campaigns for the abolition of all nuclear weapons everywhere.