Lakenheath Action Group has an absolute commitment to nonviolence. We ask that everyone involved in our actions abides by the following nonviolence guidelines. If you cannot follow these guidelines, please do not come to any LAG action.

Please be aware that people going on base may be handled roughly. Since the war, Lakenheath (along with Mildenhall, Fairford and Molesworth) has been guarded by the U.S. National Guard (the U.S. equivalent of the Territorial Army here). Prior to that there had been something along the lines of an unwritten agreement that US military personnel would not touch peace protestors. Since they have arrived this seems to have changed. Protestors on base at Mildenhall have been rugby tackled, sat on and had their arms wrenched behind their backs by U.S. personnel even when they have already been sitting on the ground in a completely nonthreatening way. No one has been badly hurt but bruises do seem likely.

1. Everyone involved in direct action with LAG will take part in a nonviolence workshop. For people not taking part in direct action but coming to an action where direct action will take place, taking part in a workshop is strongly recommended.
Nonviolence workshops are organised before each of our actions. They are a very important part of the process in which everyone develops and understanding of nonviolence and how it should be part of their actions. LAG will arrange workshops on request. If you are part of an affinity group which has taken part in nonviolence workshops and are not sure if you need to do more, contact us.

2. Our actions are built upon being open and accountable.
In disarming or disrupting the activity of nuclear weapons or other military activities, we have nothing to be ashamed of. We will accept the consequences of our actions, and use these as an opportunity to communicate our message to other people. For us t o achieve change, we must be prepared to engage in dialogue. We do not use masks for hiding our identity or engage in totally secret actions. The planning and attempt to disarm may be secret, but as soon as an action has taken place, the activists will re main by the scene of disarmament to take full responsibility for their action.

3. Our attitude will be one of sincerity and respect toward the people we encounter.
We do not wish to create unnecessary divisions by being moralistic or by verbally harassing the police, defence workers and other people we come in contact with. We will respectfully engage them in dialogue when appropriate. Not only are all human beings of infinite value and therefore of worth equal to our own selves but they are also our allies in the disarmament process. If and when complete nuclear disarmament takes place, then the authorities and their agents, whose current policies and actions we ar e challenging, may well be the very same people who do the actual disarmament.

4. We will not engage in physical violence or verbal abuse toward any individual.
Violence includes both physical and psychological violence and the phrase 'any individual' also includes ourselves. In tense and pressured situations even the shouting of slogans can appear threatening and aggressive. We must gauge the situation and act a ccordingly. We will not assume that anyone will use violence against us and will not pre-empt violence by wearing protective equipment. Some people consider destruction of property to be violent, but we do not think that the peaceful and safe destruction and dismantling of inherently violent property is a violent act. Indeed we think it is a peaceful, necessary and responsible act of nonviolence.

5. We will carry no weapons.
Any tools we have with us for disarmament work will not be used in way which is could be seen as threatening to any person. For instance, it may be appropriate to lay tools down and show open and empty hands if any security personnel come towards us.

6. We will not bring use or be under the influence of alcohol or drugs (other than for medical purposes) at any LAG action.
This includes the consumption or use of any of the above off-site whilst involved in any LAG action. This rule is not intended to say anything positive or negative about these substances in general or in reference to people's lifestyles. It is purely for the sake of safety and nonviolence, so that no-one's behaviour is affected negatively and everyone can feel safe.

7. We will respect all the decisions and agreements concerning the actions.
These nonviolence and safety guidelines are the non-negotiable ground-rules for all LAG actions. However, some decisions and agreements will have to be made as we go along, either for general use or for a specific action.