Seven UK protesters arrested near RAF base used by US military

Seven people have been arrested by British police on suspicion of supporting Palestine Action at a protest near the Lakenheath airbase in eastern England. The five men and two women were detained at a peace encampment outside the base, where they had gathered with other activists to express their opposition to alleged US aircraft departures from the facility involved in the conflict between the United States and Iran.

The protesters wore clothing bearing the message “We oppose genocide, we support Palestine Action.” The Lakenheath Alliance for Peace, which organised the event, stated that the seven individuals had been arrested while wearing such attire. Police claimed the arrests were made on suspicion of supporting a proscribed organisation.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government previously banned Palestine Action as a “terrorist” organisation, rendering membership or support a criminal offence. A court ruled in February that this ban was deemed “disproportionate,” but the government has since appealed the decision. As a result, the ban remains in effect until further notice.

According to protest organisers Defend Our Juries, over 2,700 people have been arrested and hundreds charged in connection with rallies supporting Palestine Action. Police stated that their duty was to enforce existing laws, regardless of potential future changes. Two additional protesters were arrested on Saturday at Lakenheath and charged with obstructing public thoroughfares.

US President Donald Trump has publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Starmer’s stance on the US-Israeli conflict in Iran, straining the countries’ long-standing alliance. The United Kingdom has authorised the use of its military bases by the US for “defensive” operations against Iran and to protect the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway that transports approximately 20 percent of global oil supplies during peacetime.

Source: Al Jazeera