Protest at RAF base being used in Iran conflict

Hundreds of people are protesting near a UK military base that is being used by the United States Air Force (USAF) to launch operations against Iran.

Up to 200 people have gathered at RAF Fairford, in Gloucestershire near the Wiltshire border, for the demonstration organised by the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND).

The base has been used to deploy US bombers since the Middle East conflict began on 28 February. Gloucestershire Police warned residents to expect disruption throughout Saturday.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the government has granted the US permission to use British bases for specific and limited defensive operations.

There has been increased action at RAF Fairford since the US, alongside Israel, began operations against Iran.

The CND is calling for an end to the war in Iran, and for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to stop US President Donald Trump's use of British bases.

The protest started at about 12:00 BST from Fairford High Street, with campaigners then walking to RAF Fairford.

Many protesters filled the streets near the base holding placards and pictures of children killed in the conflict so far.

Iranian-born Matzi Ansari, 40, lives is London but is worried about her family in Tehran, adding she cannot sleep.

She said: "Currently they're okay but... they're not sure what's happening to them tomorrow.

"They're under massive stress. They don't have a normal life, they can't go to work and school.

"[It's] a very horrible situation currently."

Lindsey German, from Stop the War Coalition, said lots of people are frightened the conflict could start a nuclear war.

"We're saying to the British government they shouldn't allow the US to use these air bases," the 74-year-old from London said.

"There's a lot of feeling about it. People are very frightened about it."

Gloucestershire Highways said about a dozen roads will be closed between 11:00 and 17:00.

Residents have previously told the BBC the noise of the aircraft is so loud it sometimes makes their houses shake.

A Gloucestershire Police spokesperson said: "While we will enable lawful peaceful protest, we must also balance peoples' rights of freedom of expression and assembly with those of the wider public to go about their personal and professional life without disruption.

"As a result, we will not hesitate in taking action against anyone who commits any unlawful act."

An MoD spokesperson said that requests to use UK military bases from foreign partners are "considered on a case-by-case basis, with all operational support to allies assessed against legal requirements".

"For operational security reasons, we do not comment on foreign nations' military operations," they added.

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