London residents rally against Olympic missiles

The Olympics are bringing local people together in the home of the games - East London. But not for the reasons you might think.



The many residents gathered here are protesting against plans by the ministry of defence to place surface to air missiles on six residential locations in the area.

Defence Minister Phillip Hammond has said the missiles are needed for national security and that only a small number of local residents are opposed to the plans.

Most people we spoke to were concerned. The plans have gone ahead with no warning, no consultation, or no explanation. Residents only found-out about it when a leaflet was dropped through their letterbox.

The missiles are the tip of what’s being described as the military shadow of the Olympics, when 13,500 soldiers will be deployed, as well as snipers, sound cannons, aircraft carriers and armed police.

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