Norwich Quakers join peace vigil at Lakenheath 

Norwich Quakers have joined other peace campaigners from the Lakenheath Alliance for Peace (LAP) in a three-day walk and cycle from Norwich to establish an international peace camp at the US-controlled RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk.

The camp, including Christians and Buddhists, will maintain a presence from Monday July 15  until Thursday July 25 with a series of vigils, protests, and workshops scheduled.
 
Marchers set off from the steps of Norwich City Hall on Saturday July 13, via Brandon and Thetford and then to Lakenheath where they set up the peace camp and then planned to hand-deliver a letter to the base commander the following day.
 
Since April 2022, there has been growing evidence that the US intends to use RAF Lakenheath as a major part of NATO’s nuclear weapons infrastructure in Europe, claims LAP. US budget documents show that the base’s weapons storage silos are being upgraded to store the new B61-12 guided nuclear bomb, and new dormitory buildings are being built to house additional military personnel needed for any potential nuclear weapons mission.
 
Washington also intends to double the amount of nuclear-capable F-35 aircraft it has stationed at Lakenheath to 54, as part of efforts to increase its military presence in Europe, says the campaign group.
 
Norwich and District CND Chair, Sue Wright, said: “In 2008 nuclear weapons were removed from British soil after tireless campaigning. Plans are now in place to bring B61-12 nuclear bombs to RAF Lakenheath, with the nuclear-capable F-35s already established at the base and already polluting our skies using 22 gallons of fuel per minute. We need to act to make the public aware of the dangers of nuclear weapons, not only to East Anglia, but to the whole world.”
 
For more information, go to www.lakenheathallianceforpeace.org.uk
 
Article extracts from ekklesia.co.uk

Pictured above is a peace vigil outside the Lakenheath US airbase in Suffolk.