The peace protest at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk follows reports that a US fighter jet shot down in Iran on April 3 had taken off from the UK base.

Two people were arrested outside Lakenheath during peace protests against the Iran war on Saturday, April 4, police have confirmed, but none were from Oxfordshire.

Avril Alexander and Carol Starvis from Oxford (Image: Zoe Broughton)

Red Rebels at Lakenheath (Image: Zoe Broughton)

Didcot sign (Image: Zoe Broughton)

Ginnie Herbert from Oxfordshire and the police (Image: Zoe Broughton)

Among those in attendance were Ginnie Herbert, from Cholsey near Wallingford and Avril Alexander, Sally Reynolds and Carol Starvis, all from Oxford.

Lakenheath Alliance for Peace organiser Peter Lux said 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.

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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.

Ginnie Herbert, Wallingford (left) (Image: Zoe Broughton)

Screen on van at Lakenheath (Image: Zoe Broughton)

Group shot at Lakenheath (Image: Zoe Broughton)

Sally Reynolds from Oxford (Image: Zoe Broughton)

Red Rebels at Lakenheath (Image: Zoe Broughton)

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.”

Householders and businesses in Burford have been without electricty since around 6am on Easter Sunday, April 5.

The unplanned power cut, which is affecting 169 homes in the OX18 postcodes, is expected to be back on by 3pm today, SSEN said.

A spokesman for the energy provider said sorry for the cut and that engineers are working to to fix the problem “as quickly as possible”.

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He said: “Engineers have arrived in the area. They are working hard to fix the problem and will get your power back on as quickly as possible.

“At this stage, we’re aiming to have your power back on by 15:00 05/04/2026. If this changes, we’ll let you know.

“We have had reports of damage to our network. When this happens, the power will automatically turn off to keep everyone safe.

“Our engineers know exactly where the problem is and are working hard to make the situation safe, repair the wire and get your power back on.

“These type of faults often require extensive work and specialist teams, such as tree cutters, which is why the restoration time seems so far away. If we can restore power sooner, we promise we will do so.”

An engineer is also on site for another power cut in Wallingford, and is expected to be back on by 4pm.

Syrian Sisters, based in Oxford and led by founder Nuha Abdo, supports women from Muslim backgrounds to build new lives through friendship, practical support, and skill-building opportunities.

The group brings together women from Syria, Afghanistan, Yemen, and beyond, offering a safe and welcoming space to connect, grow, and gain confidence in their new surroundings.

Ms Abdo, who previously worked for the Danish Refugee Council in Syria before becoming a refugee herself, said: “I used to work for refugee rights at my hometown in Syria.

“Then I became one myself.”

She described life in Syria before the war as full of purpose, working for refugees and empowering women through international organisations, but everything changed after the outbreak of conflict in 2011.

By 2014, she and her husband were forced to seek asylum in the UK, while her family scattered across Europe and the Middle East.

Despite her qualifications, Ms Abdo said adjusting to life in the UK was not easy.

Ms Abdo said: “I didn’t realise, that now more than being a refugee, I had to justify an added layer of being a Muslim woman.”

Determined to create something positive, she reached out to other refugee women in Oxford and started a small WhatsApp group for Syrian women.

This informal network quickly grew into Syrian Sisters, which now welcomes women from many backgrounds and countries.

The group meets weekly and offers a sense of home and belonging for women and children.

It also provides English classes, driving lessons, sewing workshops, and computer literacy training to help women gain independence and find work.

One member, Mariam, arrived in the UK from Syria more than a decade ago with limited English and no work experience.

Today, she manages the group’s admin and serves as an interpreter for community members.

Syrian Sisters is now registered as a charity and operates with the support of donations and partner organisations such as Islamic Relief.

One of its key projects is preparing Ramadan food baskets, which are distributed to families in need around Oxford.

The charity also runs a homework club for children, supported by University of Oxford student volunteers who help with science, English, and maths.

Ms Abdo said: “Go ask anyone in the city about us and they will tell you about the amazing bake sales we do or social activities for women and children.”

The group is partnered with Damascus Rose Kitchen, a restaurant in Oxford fully run and managed by refugee women.

The restaurant doubles as a community hub and a place for women to gain work experience and build confidence.

Maha, the head waitress, arrived in the UK at age 12 and was separated from her family.

She began volunteering with Syrian Sisters and credits the group for helping her learn English, budgeting, customer service, and other essential skills.

Ms Abdo said: “She is our customers’ favourite and a very bright soul.

“Had she not found a community at a young age, her parents would have married her off by now because that seems like a more convenient and stable option for many such vulnerable refugee families.”

Maha now leads the restaurant and supports her family, who have since joined her in the UK.

She hopes to pursue hotel management and start her own business in the future.

Syrian Sisters has been supporting women for 12 years and continues to grow.

Ms Abdo describes the UK as her new home, though memories of Syria remain painful due to the conflict and the loss of her father.

She believes the group demonstrates the value refugee women can bring to the UK if given the chance.

Amidst this, Syrian Sister prove that refugees, especially women, when provided by security, dignity and support, power through and adapt themselves to their new reality and provide monetary and social worth not just to their immediate families but to the economy as well.

Some names have been changed to protect the identity of individuals.