CND and the Stop the War Coalition are calling for a mass protest this Saturday to end British complicity in illegal US strikes at RAF Fairford. SOPHIE BOLT explains<\/p>\n\n\n\n
WITH just two days to go before the end of the US-Iran ceasefire, it is critical that all efforts are focused on securing a diplomatic resolution and stopping military escalation. Britain must follow the lead of Spain by refusing the use of its\u00a0bases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Signs that the US and Israel are continuing to sabotage the ceasefire have emerged as, along with Israel\u2019s continued assaults on Lebanon, the US navy has now attacked and seized an Iranian ship in the Straits of Hormuz. In response, Iran has stated it is not prepared to participate in further talks until the US ends its blockade of Iranian ports. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This comes as the US further builds up its military presence in the region, with Trump again threatening to commit more war crimes against Iran \u2014 with threats to bomb energy infrastructure and bridges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The US has already carried out heavy bombing of Iranian infrastructure, including bridges, steel and pharmaceutical plants, hospitals, universities, schools and residential areas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s clear that heavy, long-range US bombers have been used in these war crimes. Bases like RAF Fairford have been central to Trump\u2019s devastating bombardment of Iran.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fairford\u2019s long runway means it is one of only two bases in Europe from which long-range US bombers can take off and land. Huge B-1, B-2 and B-52 US bombers have been carrying out twice-daily bombing missions from March 10, dropping 2,000lb bombs on Iran, before returning directly to Fairford.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reports from NukeWatch suggests there are at least eight B-52s and 15 B1-B bombers stationed at RAF Fairford \u2014 23 in total.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite repeated government statements, saying that permission for each deployment is determined on a \u201ccase-by-case basis,\u201d a report by DroneWars shows that it is impossible for the British government to have oversight of the deployment of US bombers from this base.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the US military carries out Trump\u2019s threats to destroy more Iranian infrastructure, heavy bombers currently based at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire could well be involved in these attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And we know that these deadly bombers are still stationed at the base.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That is why CND, along with Stop the War Coalition and the Fairford Alliance, have called a demonstration at Fairford this Saturday April 25. We urge everyone to join us at this critical base to send a strong message that we oppose Trump\u2019s illegal war on Iran and want an end to British complicity in war crimes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bases like RAF Fairford are the physical embodiment of Britain\u2019s military alliance and nuclear subordination to the US administration, the danger they represent to the rest of the world, as well as Keir Starmer\u2019s hypocrisy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Less than two weeks ago Trump threatened to wipe out the entire civilisation of Iran. This was rightly interpreted as a veiled threat to carry out a nuclear attack on the people of Iran. The whole world had to think, \u201cdo we believe Trump? Is he capable of doing this?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And it could not be ruled out. Trump has given total financial, military and political backing to Israel\u2019s genocide of the Palestinian people. So, if he is capable of that, is he capable of attempting to wipe out the entire Iranian people?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Horrifically, of course, the US has used nuclear weapons in war before. Two US nuclear bombs killed over 200,000 people in Hiroshima and 140,000 in Nagasaki in 1945.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Starmer\u2019s government made absolutely no comment about Trump\u2019s veiled nuclear threat, while continuing to support Trump and Netanyahu\u2019s claims that Iran is the nuclear threat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In fact, not only has Starmer continued to militarily support Trump\u2019s illegal war, he has caved in even further to Trump, ditching the agreement to return the Chagos Islands to the people of Mauritius in order to guarantee US access to the military base of Diego Garcia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With Trump\u2019s political recklessness and isolation growing, Starmer should be standing up to the US and actively supporting diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis, not facilitating catastrophic military escalation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just as the Spanish government has done, Britain must end Trump\u2019s use of British bases like RAF Fairford.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This would be the first step towards ending Britain\u2019s military and nuclear subordination to the US \u2014 and ending its complicity in US war crimes and Israel\u2019s genocide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At this critical time, join the protest on Saturday at RAF Fairford. Starmer needs to close down this US war crimes base and send the bombers home. Coaches are leaving from London, Bristol and Birmingham. More details at tinyurl.com\/CNDFairford<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sophie Bolt is general secretary of Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n