Two demonstrators arrested outside RAF base during peace protest

Two people have been arrested outside an RAF base in Suffolk 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 on Saturday afternoon.

The peace protest follows reports from some media outlets that a US fighter jet shot down in Iran on April 3 had taken off from the Lakenheath base.

Suffolk Police have confirmed that two people have been arrested on suspicion of obstructing a public highway during the blockade on Saturday.

Lakenheath Alliance for Peace organiser Peter Lux told the Press Association that RAF bases needed to be held “accountable” when letting US planes take off.

He said that between 116 and 118 US fighter bombers have been seen departing the base in recent weeks by protesters.

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

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

The protesters presented a letter for the Lakenheath base commanders at the start of the peace camp highlighting their concerns for a “disregard for international law” from the RAF and their opposition to US Air Force use of British bases.

“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 Mr Lux.

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

He said: “Veterans know. We are trained on Rules of Engagement, Geneva Convention and Genocide Convention.

“The US and Israel are and have been ignoring every article relating to civilian infrastructure, property and people. It’s our duty to speak up. We do not need to wait for a court to tell us what our eyes can see’.”

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson has said: “The US is our principal defence and security partner.

“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.

“Any proposed US operation from a base in the UK or UK territory is considered on a case-by-case basis.”