A group of protesters from Lakenheath Alliance for Peace blocked the main gates of RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk for over five hours today, Tuesday, April 7, to protest the US involvement in the Iran War and Israel-Palestine conflict.
The group used heavy-duty locks to attach themselves to a car, a large multi-coloured peace symbol, and to one another.
The protest was described by campaigners as “non-violent direct action” and followed a week-long International Peace Camp that took place at the base and ended on Monday, April 6.
RAF Lakenheath is used exclusively by the US Air Force as a base, leased by the Ministry of Defence.
The Lakenheath Alliance for Peace said that US Nuclear bombs returned to Lakenheath last summer.
One of the protesters, a man from Southampton, was arrested at 11.30am.
He said: “This complex of bases is being used by the US for illegal war on Iran and is complicit in the genocide continuing in the West Bank and Gaza.”
A spokesperson for Suffolk police said: “The 13 were taken to investigation centres in Bury St Edmunds and Martlesham for questioning.
“The arrests relate to locking on, conspiracy to cause a public nuisance, attempting to lock on or criminal damage.”
Police arrived at the base just after 6am, after receiving reports of the protest, and cleared the gates by the early afternoon.
The spokesperson added: “The activity caused disruption to motorists, with some road closures implemented during the protest as officers assisted with traffic management.
“Officers will remain on site until further notice.
“Suffolk Police has a duty to enforce the law without fear or favour and as it currently stands, not as it might be in the future.
“As such, where offences are believed to have occurred appropriate action will be taken.
“Although the High Court found the proscription of Palestine Action to be unlawful, it also confirmed that the impact of that judgement will not take effect until the Government’s appeal has been considered.”