Gloucestershire Weapons Inspectors

USAF Fairford (Gloucestershire) Intelligence Briefing

Why protest at Fairford - USAF Fairford is the biggest bomber base in Europe and the only launch pad in the UK for direct air raids on Iraq. There are 14 B-52 bombers currently stationed at Firford and preparing to directly attack targets in Iraq. Fairford and Diago Garcia are the nearest B-2 Stealth bomber bases to Iraq and the B-2 and B-52's will play a central role in the US "Shock and Awe" tactic. We are protesting about the projection of US power from airbases on British territory. We are protesting about the real possibility of mini-nuclear weapons being used in the war in Iraq. We are protesting about double standards over the possession and use of WMD. The refusal by our government to seriously address underlying causes of problems in the middle-east (including western oil dependency) and the stupidity of launching a war that will destabilise the middle-east and lead to increased levels of terrorism. Read the letter of support from Ann Pettitt one of the women who started Greenham Common - Ann is now actively involved the the Fairford campaign.

War is not the only option: Insufficient efforts have been made to avert war and resolve the Iraq problem by peaceful means. We applaud French and German efforts to seek a non-violent resolution to this crisis and also commend efforts by the Oxford Research Group (Iraq - A Way Out), The Fourth Freedom Foundation (Winning Without War) and other organisiations whose proposals for peaceful resolution do not get the media attention they deserve. Also read "Opposing War Is Good, But Not Good Enough" by Faleh A. Jabar in the Progressive for an Iraqi perspective on a different solution. In general we think too many sticks are being used and not enough carrots. For example the offer of lifting sancations may have been enough to get the Iraqi regime to take disarmament seriously rather than the threat of war. Another fine article By Mundher Adhami "Iraqi Perspective on Regime Change: Keep the Inspections, Lift the Sanctions" is well worth reading.

Assemby Point: Fairford Village at 12 noon and run throughout the afternoon. At the junction of High Street, Mill Lane & Park Street. Details of how to get to Fairford and parking arrangements appear below. Please come in good humour and to enjoy a creative and peaceful protest.

There are public toilets in Fairford but no facilities near the base. Fairford village has an always open shop and pubs for supplies - although not all pubs are friendly to protestors so just be bird spotters or tourists when you ask for a pint.

Fairford is becoming a focus for NVDA there's a legal briefing below. Whilst the police have been relaxed (mostly) so far and there have been few arrests things will tighten up considerably with regard to breaching the fences once bombers are present at the base. The US airforce can deploy bombers very quickly and we do not expect to see them here more than a day or so before the bombing starts in Iraq.

The Inspections Script: At the main gate where we ask in 'pantomime' fashion to be admitted to inspect the base - learn the script here you'll be doing all the 'chorus' bits but we'll have prompt cards to help things along. (In truth we're pretty bored with this now but by popular request will perform once more on 23rd Feb). We're doing a new one for Feb 23rd... plenty of chance to join in just follow the prompt cards.

Map of the Base and Views of Fences: Here's a map that shows approximate fence lines around most of the base. Where no fence is shown it's because there's no access, not because there is no fence. Click here for the the latest maps

We also have a report of a cycle tour of the base on Jan 12th which shows various gates and fences. Interesting if you're into chain link in a big way!

Directions To Fairford: Fairford is 8 miles east of Cirencester, 10 miles north of Swindon and 20 miles west of Oxford. Fairford is on the A417 going east to west. Or along the A361 going north to south, turning onto the A417 at Lechlade village. USAF Fairford is 15 minutes walk from Fairford Village, along Horcott Rd.
FOR MAPS: CLICK BELOW
http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?X=410000&Y=200000&scale=200000
FOR A MAP OF FAIRFORD VILLAGE:
http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?X=415000&Y=201000&scale=10000

PARKING/COACHES: FOR MARCH 22nd police are making special contingency arrangments - parking will be near the assembly point in Fairford village but coaches and private vehicles should follow the AA signs and police directions to car parks on the day.

There is no viable public transport to Fairford. Nearest stations are Kemble and Swindon both over 10 miles away. There are very few rural buses, especially on Sundays.

If you are organising a coach please let us know (travel@gwi.org.uk) so we can publicise this for others who are travelling from your area of the country.

If You Like Dressing Up: Come dressed as weapons inspectors in white decontamination suits. White overalls are available from many DIY stores including Screwfix Direct www.screwfix.co.uk phone 0500 414141 part no 17133 - XL White Polypropylene Coveral. £1.15 or £9.99 for 10 - next day delivery.

...and goggles - part number 18654 - EN 166.1.B. Wide vision, direct vent. £1.09 each or, £5.25 for 5.
and white masks - part number 13500 - Disposable, low cost cup mask. £8.49 for 50.

We also like to wear white plastic bags on our feet - held up by elastic bands and washing up gloves in bright colours. Accessorise with decorated household appliances (a little tin foil and gaffer tape can transform the most mundane appliance) to use as hypocrisy detectors, smart bomb intelligence testers, collateral damage anticipation detectors etc...

NVDA: Fairford is becoming a focus for NVDA (non-violent direct action). If you wish to take direct action we suggest you link up with an experienced group who can provide support and training. We believe it is vital that ant actions are entirely non-violent otherwise the peace movement risks becoming discredited and losing the wide public support we now enjoy. For latest legal briefings and info on section 44 stop and search click here.
Please remember the Fairford Peace Camp and G10 Bomber Watch are legal activities that we wish to remain in place. Do not give the police any excuses to close down the peace camps - thank-you.