News

Britain returns to the nuclear frontline with purchase of nuclear-capable jets

Published

12 months ago

June 25, 2025

RAF Marham and Lakenheath to house new planes as protests grow

THE UK is facing the most significant expansion of its nuclear weapons capability in a generation, with anti-arms groups warning of mass protests and a new wave of peace activism. The move brings Britain back onto the nuclear frontline — and has sparked concern among Welsh campaigners and military watchers.

The UK Government has confirmed the purchase of 12 F-35A fighter jets from the United States. These aircraft are nuclear-capable and can be equipped with the US B61-12 gravity bomb — a weapon with over three times the explosive power of the bomb dropped on Hiroshima.

The jets will be based at RAF Marham in Norfolk, while RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk — already a US-operated base — is undergoing multimillion-pound upgrades. Nuclear storage vaults at Lakenheath, unused since the withdrawal of US bombs in 2008, are expected to be reactivated.

Cost and controversy

The cost of the aircraft is expected to exceed £700 million, with similar sums anticipated for long-term maintenance and support. Campaigners from the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) and Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) say the spending contradicts government claims of budgetary restraint in public services.

“This is nuclear proliferation by any other name,” said Kirsten Bayes of CAAT. “At a time when funding is being cut for disabled people and essential services, ministers have found hundreds of millions for US jets designed to carry nuclear bombs.”

The UK has not had its own air-launched nuclear weapons since 1998, when the WE177 free-fall bomb was decommissioned by the then Labour government. Since then, Britain’s nuclear deterrent has relied solely on submarine-launched Trident missiles.

Wales watches with concern

While no nuclear weapons are planned for deployment in Wales, the expansion has raised questions about the role of Welsh airspace and training facilities in future operations.

RAF Valley on Anglesey is a key training hub for the RAF’s fast jet pilots and regularly hosts low-flying exercises involving Typhoon and F-35 aircraft. Flights over rural areas such as the Mach Loop are likely to increase.

“We may not be housing the bombs,” said one local peace campaigner from Ceredigion, “but our airspace is being used in preparation for a nuclear scenario. That should concern everyone in Wales.”

In previous years, RAF Valley has seen protests over jet noise and military flights. Campaigners now say the presence of nuclear-capable jets in Britain could escalate local opposition.

Protest movement revives

CND is organising a large-scale protest this Saturday (June 28) at RAF Lakenheath. The site was previously the focus of anti-nuclear activism in the 1980s, when peace protesters targeted US cruise missile deployment. Organisers say demonstrations will also be held at RAF Marham.

Sophie Bolt, general secretary of CND, said: “This puts Britain on the nuclear frontline. We have not had US nuclear weapons on our soil since 2008, and this decision has been made without any parliamentary debate. That undermines both British sovereignty and democratic accountability.”

The government has denied claims that the move signals a return to Cold War-era posturing. Defence Secretary John Healey said the decision to acquire the jets is “entirely consistent” with the UK’s obligations under the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.

Britain remains part of NATO’s Dual Capable Aircraft programme, which requires nuclear-capable aircraft to be available for deployment under US control. Any use of such weapons would require joint authorisation by the US president, UK prime minister, and NATO nuclear planning group.

**A previous protest at RAF Lakenheath (Image: CND)**

Local unease and national implications

In Pembrokeshire, where residents are no strangers to military activity, news of the expansion has drawn criticism. Campaigners have highlighted the potential for escalation and the region’s role in NATO exercises over the Irish Sea.

“With our history of peace activism and our rural vulnerability, people in West Wales have reason to be concerned,” said a former member of CND Pembrokeshire. “This isn’t just about RAF Lakenheath. If tensions escalate, no part of the UK is safe.”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended the move, stating: “In an era of radical uncertainty, we can no longer take peace for granted. That is why my government is investing in our national security.”

But campaigners remain unconvinced.

“This is not about defence,” said Bolt. “This is about preparing for nuclear war — and people across the UK, including in Wales, are right to oppose it.”

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

9 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

9 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.