Peace campaigner Anni Rainbow regularly demonstrates outside Menwith Hill. She told MIKE LAYCOCK about her protests and why she is worried about Son Of Star Wars

George W Bush may be determined to press ahead with Son Of Star Wars, with Menwith Hill playing a key role in the new multi-billion dollar system.

But Anni Rainbow and Lindis Percy are equally determined not to let this momentous event in the history of the world pass by without protest.

You can see them every Tuesday evening outside the American spy base near Harrogate, with their Stars and Stripes flags adapted into banners attacking the proposed missile defence system.

The pair, who live in Otley, co-ordinate the Campaign For The Accountability Of American Bases. They say they want to let personnel on the base, as well as the American and British authorities, know the people of North Yorkshire are worried about Son Of Star Wars.

Most Americans from the base gaze straight ahead as they drive past, probably acting on orders, she says. "But we get the odd wave."

So what are the protesters' concerns? "Probably the same as most other people's. It will breach the anti-ballistic missile treaty and that threatens world peace.

"Russia and China have already signed a friendship accord. I'm all for friendship but in this case it's very concerning."

She spoke of her concern that the involvement of the North Yorkshire base might make it a terrorist target. "It's a communication base. In war, one of the first things done is to take out the opposition's communication base."

The protests have come to dominate Anni's life, but she does not resent it. "We have a duty to do this for the next generation."

Updated: 16:42 Thursday, February 07, 2002