A group of anti-war activists has blocked the main entrance to RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk by chaining themselves to vehicles and each other, in a demonstration timed to coincide with US midterm elections. According to BBC News, Suffolk Police received reports of the "small protest" just before 07:00 GMT on Monday. The blockade caused partial closure of the A1065 Brandon Road northbound, with traffic queuing in the area.
The protest group No More Bloody Wars organised the action to oppose what it describes as "illegal wars" involving the United States. Ten protesters used heavy-duty locks to secure themselves to a car and to each other at the base entrance. Among those taking part was Margaret Owen, a 94-year-old human rights lawyer, and Ben Taylor, a 32-year-old former soldier, according to Yahoo News. Owen said she joined the lock-on to oppose what she called "war machines".
What are the protesters demanding?
The group is calling on the British government to close all American military bases operating on UK soil, arguing that their presence makes Britain complicit in Middle Eastern conflicts. Organisers claimed that RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall supported operations during the Iran conflict, with more than 170 aircraft deployed from Lakenheath and two reportedly shot down, according to Yahoo News.
The protesters also expressed concern about the potential return of nuclear weapons to the base. The F-35A Lightning II aircraft stationed at RAF Lakenheath is certified to carry the B61-12 thermonuclear weapon. No More Bloody Wars stated:
By obeying and complying with the demands of the US military complex, the UK has become very closely tied with the nuclear security strategies imposed by the US.
What is the government's position?
The Ministry of Defence said the matter was one for the US military to address. In April 2026, when a similar protest occurred at the same base, the MOD responded by stating that the US had been authorised to use British military bases for specific defensive missions to destroy Iran's missile capabilities. A spokesperson at that time said Iran was "threatening British people, bases, and our partners in the region".
The US Air Force has been approached for comment on the current protest. Following the April 2026 blockade, which lasted six hours and resulted in 13 arrests, the US Air Force said it respected peaceful and lawful expression but treated security as its top priority, coordinating with UK police on such matters.
What is the history of protests at this base?
This is not the first time RAF Lakenheath has been targeted by anti-war activists. In April 2026, 13 people were arrested during a six-hour blockade at the same location; seven were later charged with offences including locking on and highway obstruction. The base has become a focal point for those opposing US military operations in the Middle East, particularly given its role in supporting air campaigns in the region.
The timing of Monday's protest coincides with broader concerns about US military expansion in the UK. The US plans to invest over $4 billion upgrading military and intelligence bases in the UK, including nuclear storage facilities at RAF Lakenheath and covert facilities at Mildenhall, according to reporting from June 2026. Additionally, the UK stated in July 2026 that it stands ready to defend itself after Iran named British bases used by the US as legitimate targets, following US strikes on Iranian positions.
Key Facts
- Ten protesters used heavy-duty locks to chain themselves to a vehicle and each other outside RAF Lakenheath's main entrance on Monday morning
- The demonstration was organised by No More Bloody Wars to coincide with US midterm elections and protest American military operations
- The F-35A Lightning II aircraft at the base is certified to carry thermonuclear weapons, a concern raised by the protest group
- A similar protest in April 2026 resulted in 13 arrests and seven people being charged with highway obstruction and locking-on offences
- The US plans a $4 billion upgrade of UK military bases, including nuclear storage facilities at RAF Lakenheath
