Didcot woman ‘cut free from car and arrested’ at RAF base

The woman, understood to be from Didcot, was one of 13 arrested on Tuesday morning, April 7 at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk.

Lakenheath Alliance For Peace protesters were at the site that morning continuing to demonstarte against the base being used by the US military for its war with Iran.

Suffolk Police’s spokesman said: “Officers arrived at the base soon after 6am following reports of protesters locking themselves to their own vehicles outside the main gate and gathering at two other entrances.”

Protesters at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk (Image: Lakenheath Alliance for Peace)

He said the protest caused disruption to motorists with some of the surrounding roads closed to help officers assist with traffic management.

He added: “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.

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“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.”

Protesters at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk (Image: Lakenheath Alliance for Peace)

According to the Lakenheath Alliance for Peace, the Didcot woman said “we are here to interrupt business as usual, and to say in the name of humanity ‘STOP’” as she was arrested.

The alliance said she was one of 13 “peace protestors who used heavy-duty locks to attach themselves to a car, a large multi-coloured peace symbol and each other, completely blocking” the main gates of RAF Lakenheath.

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.

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.

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.”