Gates stormed at US airbase (From Stroud News and Journal)

Gates stormed at US airbase

ANTI-WAR campaigners stormed the gates at RAF Fairford on Sunday, briefly gaining access to the base before being repelled by police.

Ten men and three women were arrested and face charges ranging from theft of police helmets to aggravated trespass and criminal damage.

But the activists were not from Stroud. Many came from Yorkshire and London.

Stroud's Dave Cockcroft, one of the organisers of the event, said the day had been a success and the attack on the gate did not go against the philosophy of non-violent direct action.

"We are not violent towards people and that is an important distinction to make," he said.

"It doesn't mean we're not confrontational. "There was some damage to part of a military facility and I'm quite happy about that.

"To be honest I'd be delighted if someone got in there and caused a lot of damage to a stealth bomber."

Mr Cockcroft said the march had aimed to keep Fairford in the public eye and highlight the fact the B2 stealth bombers which may soon be housed there are capable of carrying nuclear weapons.

"The United States and UK have indicated readiness to use bunker-busting nuclear weapons against Iraq which would contravene international treaties.

"The nuclear non-proliferation treaty which is the backbone of the UN's controls on nuclear weapons forbids their use against countries which are not nuclear capable and any such use would be illegal as well as immoral."

He said the demonstration had also shown peace campaigners would not be prepared to sit back and watch the war happen if the invasion of Iraq does go ahead.

"The vast majority of these people were well behaved and conducted a peaceful protest," said Steven Partridge, a police spokesman.

"However, there were a small minority who were intent on gaining access to the base.

A small number did get in through the main gate but they were quickly detained."

Police and protesters dispute how the gate opened.

Mr Partridge claimed the gate, which was topped by razor wire, was opened for safety reasons after a number of protesters tried to force it.

Campaigners claim it was pulled open by the crowds, who had tied a number of ropes through the metal mesh.

"It's quite interesting that it happened," said Stroud activist Kim Holden.

"It's supposed to be a high security airbase and a handful of people pulled the gate open. "What does that say about national security?"