Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament and Bury St Edmunds Quakers hold protests opposing possible return of nuclear weapons to RAF Lakenheath

Two organisations took to Suffolk streets yesterday to protest the possible return of nuclear weapons to a US air base.

Six members from the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) attempted a citizens' weapons inspection at RAF Lakenheath and Bury St Edmunds Quakers held a silent witness. This follows speculation that the base could host the first US nuclear weapons in 15 years.

The purpose of the day of action was for the CND members to conduct a search of the base to see whether nuclear weapons are being housed there.

It comes after the US Air Force’s budgetary justification report which said plans have been lodged to build a new 144-bedroom ‘surety dormitary’ at RAF Lakenheath, which forms part of a $50m (£39m) project.

If permitted, it would be the first time B61 bombs will be stored in the UK since 2008, according to the Federation of American Scientists (FAS). They had been present at the air base since at least 1954.

Communications officer Pádraig McCarrick said: “Nationwide we had a Lakenheath day of action so our local CND groups were in their communities having stalls, events and protest rallies to raise awareness.

“We’re arguing that it’s not just an issue for the people of Suffolk or East Anglia – this is a British issue.

“The base will neither confirm nor deny that the nuclear weapons are there.”

The inspection was refused and members were also going to deliver a letter to the base commander, but they were stopped.

Mr McCarrick added that the group will go back to Lakenheath to protest again and will also gather outside the US Embassy in London sometime in the future.

Later on in the day, 25 members from Bury St Edmunds Quakers gathered on Angel Hill to hold a silent witness. They gathered for 30 minutes from 2.30pm.

Media officer Jill Segger said: “We’re particularly concerned about the all-destructive, indiscriminate, appalling power of nuclear weapons. They could be returning to our country without any public consultation whatsoever.

“And as a secondary thing, it is important to recognise that Lakenheath would be an instant target in nuclear conflict.”

The group handed out leaflets and designated people were able to chat to members of the public.

“Silence is part of our tradition.

“We also feel that we live in a terribly noisy world and most of us would say that just standing quietly with placards actually attracts more attention.”

The silent witness also marked the first day of Quaker Week.