Greenpeace response to Geoff Hoon's announcement on use of UK facilities for US 'Star Wars' system

Responding to Geoff Hoon's announcement in Parliament today that the government is minded to allow the United States to use UK facilities, including the Fylingdales military base in Yorkshire, for their 'Star Wars' system, Stephen Tindale, Executive Director of Greenpeace UK said,

"It's always been clear that the Blair government would roll over and let Bush do what he wants, but this is still a disgraceful decision".

He continued,

"Even if it worked, Star Wars would only defend against one, pretty unlikely, form of attack. It would be of no use against a suitcase bomb, a test tube of toxins or a hijacked plane. And the cost of NMD, beyond the financial billions, is the undermining of the global arms control system and the danger of a new arms race".

Notes to editors:
Greenpeace has campaigned against the development of the Star Wars system across the globe. On July 3rd 2001 over one hundred Greenpeace volunteers invaded Menwith Hill Spy base, near Harrogate, North Yorkshire, to expose the base's proposed role in President George W Bush's 'Star Wars' (National Missile Defence) system. The occupation ended after two days.

Further information:
Contact:
The Greenpeace UK press office on 020 7865 8255.