'We are Putin's first target,' shout villagers next to £40m RAF nuclear base where US wants to store bombs over Second World War fears
VILLAGES have rejected plans to build a £40 million RAF nuclear base where the US plans to store bombs amid fears of WWIII.
Locals are alive next one to the American military base in Lakenheath, West Suffolkfear that they could become the target of a wider conflict.
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The quiet village is situated between two frontline USAF bases in East Anglia.
According to Pentagon documents, RAF Lakenheath will be used as a depot for the latest nuclear bombs in the event of conflict.
It is the first time such weapons have been kept on British soil.
The plans include two squadrons of the latest F-35 fighters, which have the ability to carry aircraft nuclear weapons.
They also announced they would strengthen protections at the base against “forced entry and gunfire.”
And last year plans were unveiled for a new £40 million dormitory for US Air Force personnel in Lakenheath.
Locals now fear the activity could do just that goal two airfields just ten miles apart in the peaceful Suffolk countryside.
In the event of a third world war, the war planes of the US Air Force, stationed in Great Britain, would be called in.
“In some ways it's good to have the Americans here because it gives us a sense of security – there's no point in worrying about what might happen.”
Villager Alan Turner
But villagers fear their small community could find itself at the center of a major international conflict.
One villager said angrily: 'I fear we will be one of the first targets if this conflict escalates. The enemy will want to neutralize any threat posed by the Americans and us and could very well strike first. You don't have to think about it.
“This is a small, happy village and we have gotten used to the Americans being here. But there is always the risk that if they get involved in a war in the Middle East, we will inevitably be involved – and military bases like Lakernheath will become a prime target for any enemy.”
Cafe owner Sam Caglar added: “I would be very concerned if Lakenheath became involved and targeted. Crews from the base are here a lot and we are all very concerned.”
Another resident said: 'It's a terrifying prospect – if weapons like this are stored here, the bases could very well get involved and become targets themselves – don't think about that.
“It has always been reassuring to see the fighter jets flying low over the village – but we are terrified that they could soon stop training and become involved in a real war – we don't want to think about that.”
'LIKE HIROSHIMA'
Contracts for the new facility include a new nuclear weapons warehouse containing nuclear warheads – said to be three times more powerful than Hiroshima and Nagasaki in the US. Japan.
The RAF stations are reportedly expecting a batch of B61-12 gravity bombs capable of delivering a 50 kiloton blast.
Despite the potentially powerful weapons, other locals have resigned themselves to the threat.
Rosie Smith, 82, said: “We will just try to continue living our lives normally and hope nothing happens.”
Villager Alan Turner added: “The people who live here know what can happen in a day – and they get used to it.
“In some ways it's good to have the Americans here because it gives us a sense of security – there's no point in worrying about what might happen.”
School director Kevin Barnes (53) said: 'Personally I feel safer when the Americans are here. There is a lot more going on in this situation than we know or have been told.”
If nuclear bombs are kept in East Anglia, 2008 will be the first time such weapons have been on British soil.
The US withdrew them from Europe because at that point Russia's threat to the world had diminished.
''ABHORRANT IDEA''
Council officials claimed the small community is used to it US military presence.
Local district councilor Gerald Kelly said: “The reality is that people here have been living with nuclear weapons on their doorstep for a long time.
“In terms of daily life, local residents have learned to live with them, even if it is disgusting for some of them that they have weapons stored here.
“There are Americans living here among us, but we all hate the idea of nuclear war and it would be great if one never happens.
“But we need a deterrent and we have been living with the Americans for years.”
Member of Parliament for West Suffolk, Matt Hancock said he favors one arsenal boost for the USAF locally.
He said: “I welcome this potential expansion. As a local MP, I know how special RAF Lakenheath is and recognize the importance of strengthening our commitment to shared security and democratic values.
“The people of West Suffolk have long been proud to welcome American military personnel to live in our community. We must continue to support our American friends and allies, especially in light of looming aggression around the world.”
The Department of Defense declined to comment on U.S. spending.
A government spokesperson said: “It has long been a British and NATO policy neither to confirm nor deny the presence of nuclear weapons at a particular location.”
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