Norman Baker MP Member of Parliament for Lewes constituency
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Local MP Wins Government Promise To Investigate His Right To Visit US Spy Base
Lewes MP Norman Baker has won a promise from the Government that it will look into an incident where he was denied permission to visit RAF Menwith Hill - the controversial US spy base in North Yorkshire which is being used by the US military as a worldwide listening centre, and in the development of its "Son of Star Wars' missile defence programme.
Speaking during a question session in the House of Commons Norman asked the Defence Minister Adam Ingram:
"The Minister will know that there is some controversy over RAF Menwith Hill. He accepts, I hope, that it is in the interests of and it is the duty of Members of Parliament to ensure that the base operates in the British national interest. Is he therefore content that, when I asked to visit the base, his predecessor told me that he would have to check with the American Administration first and came back most apologetically to tell me that the Americans would not allow me to visit an RAF base? Is it now British policy that the Americans decide whether Members of Parliament can visit RAF bases?"
In response the Defence Minister promised to look into the matter.
Speaking afterwards, Norman comments:
"RAF Menwith Hill is a controversial base, not only because of its possible future role in missile defence, but also because of allegations that the US is using it to intercept communications from friendly EU states including the UK itself.
"This is also a point of principle. MPs should be allowed to visit RAF bases as part of our duty to ensure that the defence of the realm is secure and that our national interests are not compromised by the actions of the US who appear to be in total control of this particular station. Perhaps those who are so worried about losing sovereignty to the EU should be more concerned about UK defence and foreign policies becoming increasingly determined in the White House.
"Once again, in this Government's eagerness to be George Bush's best buddy - they are bowing slavishly to the US at the expense of our own democratic principles. I hope that the Minister - when he answers my questions - will be able to prove me wrong by annulling the decision by the US military and allowing me to finally visit the base."
ENDS
A full transcript of Norman's question and the Minister's response is below
21st June 2004 RAF Menwith Hill
18. Norman Baker (Lewes) (LD): If he will make a statement on the forward plans for RAF Menwith Hill. [179376]
The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Mr. Adam Ingram): A long-term plan is being developed by a joint UK-US team to improve some of the ageing infrastructure on the site. That may lead to the demolition of some of the older buildings and their replacement by modern facilities that, wherever possible, will be more in keeping with the rural landscape. Base authorities are working closely with the local planning authority to agree suitable architectural standards and guidelines. There are no plans to change the base's current role and mission. Norman Baker: The Minister will know that there is some controversy over RAF Menwith Hill. He accepts, I hope, that it is in the interests of and it is the duty of Members of Parliament to ensure that the base operates in the British national interest. Is he therefore content that, when I asked to visit the base, his predecessor told me that he would have to check with the American Administration first and came back most apologetically to tell me that the Americans would not allow me to visit an RAF base? Is it now British policy that the Americans decide whether Members of Parliament can visit RAF bases? Mr. Ingram: I am not fully aware of all the matter related by the hon. Gentleman concerning his previous request. I would have to look into that to find out the nature of his request, why he wanted a visit, what issues he wanted to discuss, and the relevance of all that. I will look into his earlier request, but the important thing is not to whip up suspicion about what is undoubtedly an important part of our defence interests as well as those of the US. The installation is important and, as I said, there are no plans to change its role or mission as part of the current reconstruction.