nuclear-news

Anti-nuclear protestors to march from Norwich to Lakenheath

By Jude Holden, 12 July 24  https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/24449062.anti-nuclear-protestors-march-norwich-lakenheath/

A 10-day peace camp against nuclear weapons being stationed in Suffolk will begin with demonstrators walking 40 miles from Norwich to Lakenheath.

The protest follows reports that the United States Air Force base, RAF Lakenheath is preparing facilities to house and guard nuclear bombs.

Around 150 members from the Lakenheath Alliance for Peace are expected to walk and cycle from Norwich to Lakenheath on Saturday, July 13.

This is expected to take up to three days before the group establishes a vigil for peace at the base’s main gate.

A hand delivered letter is set to be delivered to the base commander with more people expected to arrive at the camp.

The Alliance aims to be at the base between July 15 until Thursday, July 25.

Lakenheath Alliance for Peace activist, Alison Lochhead said this will be a peaceful protest “We have absolutely no intention of being arrested whatsoever, we are there for a peaceful vigil”, she said.

But added: “However, if the powers that be decide to arrest us, well that’s another thing altogether.

“We’re there to raise awareness about the situation.”

Ms Lochhead continued: “Our cause is essential. All these proposals go on behind closed doors. They are bringing back nuclear weapons onto UK soil without any debate whatsoever.

“It is really important that people raise their voices in any way they can.

“That could mean joining us on the walk, or writing a letter to their MP or standing outside the base or even just talking to friends and relations about it.”

She added: “At the moment the military tensions in this world are so high. It is scary.

“We really don’t need to crank it up further and I think people just need to say please deescalate all of this, there are other ways to solve conflict.”

The walk will start outside Norwich City Hall at 10am and the group will then go via the Peace Pillar in Chapelfield Gardens, then on to Unthank Road, Newmarket Road, through Cringleford and on towards Hethersett and Wymondham.

The vigil, which will go on round the clock.

July 13, 2024 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | opposition to nuclear, UK