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Base chiefs happy to let peace protests continue
A SPOKESMAN from RAF Fylingdales has spoken out to defend the base following a recent plea from MPs and peers to stop police from stamping out peaceful protests.
As reported in the Whitby Gazette on Tuesday the joint human rights committee started a probe after it was claimed there had been a rise in heavy-handed police tactics to prevent peaceful protests.
The Campaign for the Accountability of American Bases (CAAB), which leads the protests at Fylingdales and RAF Menwith Hill, gave evidence to the Parliamentary inquiry.
Tim Fenton, Media and Communications Officer said at RAF Fylingdales said the base had a good relationship with protesters.
He said: "The police, both North Yorkshire Police and Ministry of Defence Police at RAF Fylingdales have never stamped out any peaceful protests or have had the need to stamp out a peaceful protest.
"The latest protest happened without any form of incident and the Station Commander, Wing Cdr Greg Hammond, greeted the protesters and listened to their concerns.
"The base has an open policy and encourages protests and visits to the base.
"Protesters have historically been very active and we welcome differing viewpoints here at Fylingdales.
"On the last protest myself and the Station Commander went down to the gate, shook hands with the protesters and had a chat with them.
"We welcome debate and discussion and protests at Fylingdales are less frequent than at RAF Menwith Hill.
"Police at Fylingdales have not been and are not heavy handed with protesters, we engage openly with them.
"We have never stamped out a peaceful protest here in 40 years.
"We believe people have a right to protest," he added.
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Weather for Whitby
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Light sleet
Temperature: -3 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 37 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 1 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: West
