Two arrested during peace protests outside RAF base

Two people have been arrested outside an RAF base during peace protests against the Iran war, police have confirmed.

More than a hundred people joined a peace encampment to create a blockade outside the main gate of Lakenheath airbase in Suffolk on Saturday afternoon.

The protest followed reports from some media outlets that a US fighter jet shot down in Iran on 3 April had been based there.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: "We have given permission to the US to use British bases for specific and limited defensive operations - in collective self-defence of our regional allies and to protect British lives."

They added: "Any proposed US operation from a base in the UK or UK territory is considered on a case-by-case basis."

Suffolk Police said the two people had been arrested on suspicion of obstructing a public highway.

Lakenheath Alliance for Peace organiser Peter Lux said RAF bases needed to be held "accountable" when letting US planes take off.

He said protesters had seen between 116 and 118 US fighter bombers departing the base in recent weeks.

"It's definitely an RAF base, it's sovereign territory, and so Britain is actually legally liable for what happens at that base," said Lux.

Saturday's blockade was part of a six-day peace camp involving an around-the-clock vigil outside the gates, ending on April 6.

The protesters had prepared a letter highlighting their concerns that was intended for the Lakenheath base commanders.

"I think we need the accountability of those bases, particularly with what's going on in Iran, which the British government have said they're not happy about because of international law," said Lux.

Craig Raeside, a veteran who served 14 years in the Royal Engineers, was at Saturday's blockade to show his support.

He said: "Veterans know. We are trained on rules of engagement, Geneva Convention and Genocide Convention.

Raeside added: "It's our duty to speak up. We do not need to wait for a court to tell us what our eyes can see."

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