Mile End protest planned against plans to place missiles in Bow during Olympics
Campaigners opposing plans to place missiles on the roof of a residential block in Bow during the London Olympics are holding a protest in Mile End Park on Saturday (June 30).
The protest has been called by the Stop the Olympic Missiles campaigners, including journalist Brian Whelan who lives at Bow Quarter in Fairfield Road where the missiles could be placed.
The Ministry of Defence announced plans earlier this year to base surface-to-air missiles on top of the water tower at the former Bryant and May matchstick factory.
The site would form part of an Olympic ring of missile around London designed to defend the Olympic Park in Stratford from a September 11 style terrorist attack.
Protesters will assemble at 1pm at Wennington Green, by the corner of Grove Road and Roman Road, in Mile End Park.
The campaigners are also due to hand a petition to the MoD today (Wednesday), signed by more than 1,000 people, objecting to Secretary of State for Defence Phillip Hammond telling parliament “that there appear to be a very small number” of residents opposing the missile plans.
Mr Whelan said: “We want him to accept publicly that there is widespread opposition in East London.”
Most Read
- 1 Tower Hamlets A Level results 2022: Live updates for borough's schools
- 2 Man, woman and child escape 'large' e-bike fire in Wapping flat by climbing out window
- 3 Plan to install gates at canalside development blocked despite ASB concerns
- 4 Thames Water: Hosepipe ban announced for London and Thames Valley
- 5 'Ruthless' killer sentenced for Isle of Dogs murder
- 6 London Assembly: TfL urged to rethink plans to cut 78 bus routes
- 7 Product sold at Tesco recalled due to risk of disease-causing bacteria
- 8 Teenager, 17, arrested after car crashes into Bow apartment building
- 9 Man 'seriously injured' after e-scooter fall
- 10 Man reportedly 'chased by moped rider with large knife' in Poplar
Mr Hammond’s comments earlier this month came in response to Bethnal Green and Bow MP, Rushanara Ali, challenging Mr Hammond to a meeting.
She said in parliament: “When does he intend to respond to my request for a meeting to explain the risks to my constituents and answer their concerns? The consultation has been very thin.”
Visit http://on.fb.me/MQ2V7J or www.stoptheolympicmissiles.org for more information on the protest.
