Two people were arrested this afternoon as more than 100 peace activists formed a blockade at an RAF airbase to protest against the Iran conflict.
The protest was held at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, in response to media reports suggesting a US fighter jet downed over Iran on April 3 had launched from the facility.
The Lakenheath Alliance for Peace, which coordinated the action, has raised concerns about Britain's legal responsibility for flights departing from what remains sovereign UK territory despite its use by US forces.
Demonstrators established a peace encampment outside the gates, demanding greater transparency regarding American military operations conducted from British soil.
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Suffolk Police confirmed both arrests were made on suspicion of obstructing a public highway during the demonstration.
The blockade forms part of a six-day peace camp featuring a continuous vigil at the base perimeter, scheduled to conclude on Monday.
Protest organiser Peter Lux said accountability for RAF installations was essential when American aircraft are permitted to depart.
"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.
Two demonstrators arrested outside RAF base during peace protest against Iran war | PA
"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".
According to the organiser, demonstrators have witnessed between 116 and 118 US fighter bombers leaving Lakenheath in recent weeks.
Campaigners delivered a letter to base commanders at the outset of their encampment, expressing opposition to American military use of British facilities and citing concerns over international law violations.
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Suffolk Police confirmed both arrests were made on suspicion of obstructing a public highway during the demonstration
|PA
Craig Raeside, a former Royal Engineers soldier with 14 years of service, attended the demonstration to voice his support for the protesters.
The veteran emphasised how military personnel receive training on the rules governing armed conflict and the protection of civilians.
He said: "Veterans know. We are trained on Rules of Engagement, Geneva Convention and Genocide Convention".
He accused both the United States and Israel of disregarding protections for non-combatants and civilian infrastructure.
Suffolk Police confirmed both arrests were made on suspicion of obstructing a public highway during the demonstration
|PA
"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," Mr Raeside added.
The Ministry of Defence defended the arrangement with Washington, describing the United States as Britain's "principal defence and security partner".
A departmental spokesman stated: "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".
The ministry confirmed that American military operations from UK installations are not granted blanket approval.
"Any proposed US operation from a base in the UK or UK territory is considered on a case-by-case basis," the spokesman added.
The response comes amid growing scrutiny of the bilateral defence relationship, and questions about parliamentary oversight of American military activities conducted from British territory.