London Games: Residents say no to missiles
Starstreak high velocity missile (HVM) systems, like the one pictured here, could play a role in providing air security during the London Olympics Games.
Residents of a social housing block in east London have launched a legal action to stop Britain's Ministry of Defense stationing surface-to-air missiles on the roof of their building during the Olympic Games next month.
The BBC reports that the residents' association of Fred Wigg Tower in Leytonstone say they were not consulted about the plans. They claim the move would breach their right to family life and their right to peaceful enjoyment of their homes under the European Convention on Human Rights.
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The plan has not yet been approved by ministers, but the association is seeking an injunction preventing the defense system from being deployed, says The Guardian.
"It is incredible that the MoD (Ministry of Defense) think it acceptable to present women, children and men living in a block of flats in a densely populated residential area of east London with the fait accompli of having a live high explosive missile salvo above their heads whilst they go about their daily chores and whilst they sleep at night," lawyer Martin Howe is quoted as saying.
The Ministry of Defense is considering deploying the ground-based air defense weapons across six sites around London during the Games as a precaution against airborne terror threats, AFP explains.
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