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24
Jul
Government allays concerns about Menwith Hill after Iran threat
The government has attempted to allay fears that the Harrogate area is at heightened risk of attack after Iran said yesterday (July 23) UK bases were “legitimate targets”.
Iran's described the UK as an "accomplice" in the US war and that any country which supports the US militarily "will be responsible for the consequences and repercussions".
US spy base RAF Menwith Hill, which was the subject of a failed terrorist attack three years ago, is eight miles from Harrogate and Army Foundation College Harrogate, which provides basic training to junior soldiers, is in Killinghall.
Martin Schweiger, who campaigns for greater accountability of Menwith Hill by standing outside the base most weeks, said there was good reason to believe the base is a potential target, particularly as it is involved with the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance composed of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
He said:
Attacks might come from very long-range missiles or modified drones. More likely is action from people and vehicles on the ground.
The activities of Menwith Hill are largely secret so potential enemies may be misinformed.
Information about Iran is certainly being harvested and processed at Menwith before being shared with the US at Fort Meade. What that information is and how well it is understood I do not know.
If I was responsible for Menwith Hill I would be maintaining a high level of vigilance. My personal view is that the best protection for Menwith Hill and for the UK as a whole is to move away from unaccountable surveillance and militarisation and move towards active peace making and investing in diplomacy.
Graduates at Harrogate's Army Foundation College passing out ceremony.
The Stray Ferret put his comments to the Ministry of Defence. A government spokesperson said:
Our armed forces are ready to keep the United Kingdom safe from any kind of attacks, whether it's on our soil or from abroad. The UK stands ready 24/7 to defend itself.
This includes through operating a layered approach to air and missile defence, provided by Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force assets equipped with a range of advanced capabilities, working closely with our NATO allies.
The UK's approach to the conflict remains the same - we are committed to defending our people, our interests and our allies, acting in accordance with international law and not getting drawn into the wider conflict.
You can read a previous opinion article by Mr Schweiger on his concerns about RAF Menwith Hill here.
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