North Yorkshire will be caught up in George W Bush's controversial Son of Star Wars missile defence plans after the new US President confirmed the scheme would go ahead.

And within hours of George W Bush's announcement, the first activist was arrested today outside the Menwith Hill military base, near Harrogate.

Menwith Hill, along with Fylingdales, on the North York Moors, is a key part of the American plan to intercept nuclear weapons.

Veteran peace campaigner Anni Rainbow was arrested at Menwith Hill as she protested against last night's confirmation that plans for a scheme will go ahead.

Ms Rainbow and colleague Lindis Percy have long campaigned with the pressure group Accountability for American Bases.

They say Son of Star Wars would make North Yorkshire a high priority military target.

Just last week, Ms Percy was acquitted of disorderly behaviour for laying a US flag on the ground near to Menwith Hill, forcing an American to drive over it.

She and Ms Rainbow were also cleared of wilfully obstructing the public highway.

Ms Percy told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme of the fresh arrest today.

She said: "Anni and I were here to protest about this news. Anni was just sitting there and was arrested under the bylaws."

She added: "There are a lot of people who are deeply concerned about this crazy system of President Bush's.

"Menwith Hill is key to this system, it is crucial, Menwith Hill and Fylingdales just up the road ... they are absolutely crucial to this system.

"Don't let's be duped ... it is an offensive system ... it is absolutely frightening."

She added: "There are going to be huge problems at Menwith Hill and Fylingdales. We are determined to stop it."

Meanwhile, fellow peace campaigners today vowed to step up the pressure on the British and American governments.

The next stage of their protests will begin this weekend with a major international conference in Leeds, said Yorkshire CND Convenor Dr Dave Webb.

"We are disappointed by the news from America, but not at all surprised," said Dr Webb.

"There will certainly be many more actions against the plans for missile defence, and some will be at Fylingdales and Menwith Hill."

Dr Webb was unable to say what form the protests would take, mainly because of the remoteness of the two bases.

He said: "While I can say there will definitely be actions at the bases, we need to make sure people see the points we are making and so there will be many other actions at more prominent places, such as Downing Street."

But Ryedale Tory MEP Robert Goodwill, who farms near Terrington, welcomed the news that missile defence is to be implemented.

Mr Goodwill said: "I have spoken to a lot of local people on this issue, and have come across very little opposition to it.

"What people are worried about, the world over, is attacks from rogue states.

"If that means implementing this shield, then I say go ahead."

Updated: 11:36 Wednesday, May 02, 2001