Two Arrested at RAF Lakenheath Protest Over US Military Role in Iran Conflict
Two people have been arrested outside a Royal Air Force base utilised by the United States military during demonstrations opposing the Iran war. Over one hundred participants gathered at a peace encampment to establish a blockade outside the main entrance of Lakenheath airbase in Suffolk this afternoon. The protest was triggered by reports indicating that a US fighter jet shot down over Iran on April 3 had originated from this location.
Police Confirmation and Organiser Statements
Suffolk Police verified that two individuals were detained on suspicion of obstructing a public highway during the blockade on Saturday. Peter Lux, an organiser for the Lakenheath Alliance for Peace, emphasised that RAF bases must be held accountable when permitting US aircraft to take off. He stated that protesters have observed between 116 and 118 US fighter bombers departing from the base in recent weeks.
"It is definitively an RAF base, it is sovereign territory, and consequently Britain is legally liable for activities occurring at that base," Mr Lux asserted. The demonstration followed earlier reports linking the downed US jet to Lakenheath, with images showing a protester being escorted away by police and numerous banners adorning the peace camp fences.
Details of the Peace Camp and Broader Concerns
The Saturday blockade forms part of a six-day peace camp initiative, featuring an around-the-clock vigil outside the base gates, scheduled to conclude on April 6. At the outset of the demonstration, protesters delivered a letter to Lakenheath base commanders, outlining their apprehensions regarding a perceived disregard for international law by the RAF and their opposition to US Air Force utilisation of British installations.
"I believe we require accountability from these bases, especially given the situation in Iran, about which the British Government has expressed dissatisfaction due to international law violations," Mr Lux commented. Craig Raeside, a veteran with 14 years of service in the Royal Engineers, joined the Lakenheath blockade on Saturday to express his solidarity.
Veteran Perspectives and Official Response
Raeside remarked, "Veterans possess this knowledge. We receive training on Rules of Engagement, the Geneva Convention, and the Genocide Convention. The US and Israel are currently and have historically ignored every article pertaining to civilian infrastructure, property, and individuals." He added, "It is our obligation to voice our concerns. We should not await a court ruling to confirm what is visibly apparent."
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson responded, stating, "The United States serves as our principal defence and security partner. We have authorised the US to employ British bases for specific and limited defensive operations—aimed at collective self-defence of our regional allies and safeguarding British lives. Any proposed US operation from a UK base or territory is evaluated on a case-by-case basis."
