PRIME Minister Sir Keir Starmer must make a formal statement over the potential deployment of US nuclear weapons from a Suffolk air base, the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) demanded today.

The campaigners also urged ministers to allow a “transparent” debate and a vote in Parliament over their use after flight data showed a specialist C-17A Globemaster transporter, capable of carrying extra-heavy loads, travelling more than 4,400 miles from New Mexico, US, to the base last week.

CND chairman Tom Unterrainer said: “CND has been calling on the government to come clean about the return of US nuclear weapons to Britain since 2022, with more evidence proving that RAF Lakenheath is being primed for such a mission gradually uncovered ever since. 

“It is completely inappropriate for the public to be finding out about such a major escalation in nuclear dangers via reports in British newspapers and the assessments of security experts. 

“Starmer must make a public statement about this major change in Britain’s security arrangements and allow for a transparent and democratic debate on this to be held in Parliament. 

“Enough of the gaslighting and hiding behind national security — the public deserve the truth.”

Neither the United States air force or the Ministry of Defence comments on nuclear weapons deployments.

Earlier this year, the CND uncovered declassified MoD documents which give US visiting forces across Britain an exemption from British nuclear safety regulations. 

Those opposed to this dangerous development are invited to join the monthly vigil at the main gate of RAF Lakenheath, scheduled for this Saturday, from noon to 2pm.