Protest at RAF base being used in Iran conflict

April 25, 2026

The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament organized a demonstration at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, where approximately 200 protesters gathered to oppose US military operations against Iran being launched from the British base. The protest, which began in Fairford High Street before moving to the airfield, involved participants carrying signs and images of children killed in the conflict while demanding that Prime Minister Keir Starmer deny President Trump access to UK military facilities. Local authorities closed around twelve roads and warned residents of disruptions, while police emphasized they would balance protesters' rights with public access.

Who is affected

Approximately 200 protesters from the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament
Residents of Fairford and surrounding Gloucestershire areas (experiencing noise disturbances and traffic disruption)
US Air Force personnel operating from RAF Fairford
Children killed in the Iran conflict (represented in protest imagery)
General public attempting to navigate road closures and disruptions
UK Ministry of Defence and British government officials

What action is being taken

The US Air Force is deploying bombers from RAF Fairford for operations against Iran
Approximately 200 people are protesting at RAF Fairford
Gloucestershire Police are monitoring the demonstration and closing about a dozen roads
The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament is calling for an end to the war and for the Prime Minister to stop US use of British bases

Why it matters

This protest highlights tensions surrounding the UK's role in supporting US military operations against Iran, raising questions about British sovereignty and complicity in foreign conflicts. The use of British territory for launching strikes involves the UK directly in Middle East military operations, which could have diplomatic, security, and legal ramifications. Local communities are experiencing tangible impacts through aircraft noise pollution and infrastructure disruption, while the protest represents broader public opposition to the government's decision to permit these operations from British soil.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC