The protesters, whose ages ranged from 45 to 77, were arrested at RAF Lakenheath in April last year following a three-hour demonstration.

Around 250 supporters of Lakenheath Peace Alliance and Campaign For Nuclear Disarmament (CND) met at RAF Lakenheath at noon on April 26 2025.

Speaking at the time, general secretary of CND Sophie Bolt said that this was to protest what they describe as a "lack of transparency on nuclear weapons being held in the UK".

The protest was organised by Lakenheath Alliance for Peace and was attended by members of Extinction Rebellion, the Quakers and local CND and Stop the War Coalition groups from Norwich and Cambridge.

organised by Lakenheath Alliance for Peace and was attended by members of Extinction Rebellion, the Quakers and local CND and Stop the War Coalition groups. (Image: Lakenheath Alliance for Peace)

The groups staged a blockade, with protestors positioned across the road to prevent vehicles from entering and exiting the base. Lakenheath Peace Alliance’s website stated that this took place from midday until 3.30pm.

The website said the groups had worked with Suffolk Constabulary to ensure the safety of those involved. However, it continued, there came a point when police “felt the disruption had gone on long enough to ensure our right to protest but was now overstepping that time” and made it clear arrests would be made.

Seven protesters were arrested and taken to Bury St Edmunds police station.  

At a hearing held at Suffolk Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, it was heard that the seven would face no further action as the charges had been withdrawn by the Crown Prosecution Service.

Among those arrested was Virginia Herbert, now 78, from Oxfordshire.

She said: “We support the right to freedom of speech, our voices need to be heard. Posting on social media is fine but if you want to make a difference you have to get out and protest, protest, protest”.

© Eastern Daily Press