Independence From the United States Called for on July 4 in England

By World BEYOND War, July 18, 2024

World BEYOND War’s Education Director, Dr. Phill Gittins, recently visited Leeds and Bradford to engage in peace and anti-war events and discussions. Here is a summary of his trip.

4th July, 2024: Independence from America Demonstration at RAF Menwith Hill, Leeds

On the 4th of July, Phill attended the “Independence from America Event 2024” organized by the Menwith Hill Accountability Campaign and Yorkshire CND. This annual event, coinciding with America’s Independence Day, drew 50 to 60 campaigners to question the “rationale for the presence of the National Security A and NRO at Menwith Hill in 2024” and to highlight “the lack of accountability of the base and its occupants.” Phill led a visualization activity, encouraging participants to envision a better world, emphasizing that the abolition of war and the meaningful engagement of young people are crucial for achieving this desired future. Other speakers included Joanna Frew from Rethinking Security, who discussed issues related to human security and climate change, David Webb from Yorkshire CND, who spoke about the roles of Menwith Hill and Fylingdales, and Sam Legg, who reminded us about the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Various artists and performers also participated.

5th July: Department of Peace Studies and International Development at the University of Bradford

On July 5th, Phill visited the Department of Peace Studies and International Development, at the University of Bradford, renowned for being one of the oldest and most respected departments in the field that has helped to shape the academic study of peace studies. He met with faculty members, including Professor Fiona Macaulay (Director of the Rotary Peace Centre) and Dr. Colins Imoh, as well as alumni/Rotary Peace Fellows. The discussions were wide-ranging, covering mutual areas of research and practice related to peace education, community engagement, and youth work. They also covered current and future collaborations between Rotary members and WBW. This included ongoing initiatives such as Peace Education and Action for Impact and Ending War 101, which involve close collaboration with, funding from, and impact for members of the Rotary system, including Rotarians, Rotaractors, Rotary Peace Fellows, and Rotary-IEP Positive Peace Activators, among others.