No more British support for Trump’s illegal war

Thank you to everyone who joined us at RAF Fairford on Saturday following the base’s role in the renewed US illegal bombing of Iran last week.

A strong mobilisation from across the country descended on the base, after a US B-1 bomber deployed there attacked Iran last Tuesday. In response, Iran has said that the base is now a ‘legitimate target’ in Trump’s illegal war. The protesters, including local residents, called on Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, to withdraw permission for the use of the base. US heavy-bombers have remained stationed at RAF Fairford since March, from where they were carrying out twice-daily attacks over Iran. Instead, we need Burham to use the government’s influence to push for a diplomatic solution – not to use the instability to justify more military spending at the cost of cuts to public services.

You can listen to Sophie speak to LBC’s Matt Wright about Saturday’s protest on our Facebook and Instagram pages here and here.

Some more coverage of the protest can be found on ITV X, Al Jazeera, the Morning Star, Swindon Advertiser, and Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard.

At least 3,000 people across Iran have now been killed, and critical civilian infrastructure have been destroyed. In the US, the Trump administration now stands accused of covering up the true cost of his war regarding US troop casualties. The Department of War has not held a press briefing for two and a half months. However, quiet updates made by the Pentagon over the weekend suggest that since the start of Israeli and US attacks on Iran in February, 18 US troops have been killed with 624 wounded.

With the death toll mounting, and dangers of the war widening, it is absolutely vital that we keep the pressure up.

That’s why CND, Fairford Action, Stop the War and Iranians Against War are organising another demonstration at the base on Saturday 15 August.

Shut down US bases – upcoming events

Ahead of the demonstration, CND, Stop the War Coalition and Iranians Against War are holding an online public meeting on 5 August, to discuss the latest US attacks on Iran and the British government’s continued push for welfare cuts to fund hikes to military spending.

• Wednesday, 5 August
• 6:30pm
• Online, register here

With speakers: Maryam Eslamdoust, TSSA General Secretary, Sophie Bolt, CND; Shabbir Lakha, Stop the War Coalition; and Atefeh Zandi, Iranians Against War.

We’ll be back at RAF Fairford on Saturday 15 August to keep up the pressure on Andy Burnham to withdraw permission for the US to use these bases! A return coach is being organised from London. Book your spot today!

If you haven’t done so already, you can also write to the Prime Minister to demand a new direction that doesn’t involve cutting welfare to fund military spending hikes and nuclear expansion. Use our easy lobby tool here.