PROTESTERS opposed to two North Yorkshire military bases being used in a controversial U.S. missile defence system were today planning to march through London.

The CND-organised demo was to protest against the Son Of Star Wars system, which could involve the Fylingdales and Menwith Hill bases. But a veteran anti-war protester said the demo is now being targeted at any military action against Iraq.

Anni Rainbow, of the Campaign for Accountability of American Bases, said: "It would have been an anti-Star Wars demo had there not been all this other awful stuff going on.

"It is now to protest against Iraq, but there will be lots of groups there making a number of points."

Speakers at the rally were expected to include CND chairwoman Carol Naughton, Andrew Murray, chairman of Stop the War Coalition, and MPs Tam Dalyell and Alice Mahon.

Updated: 10:15 Saturday, March 30, 2002