Kate Hudson and Pat Arrowsmith at Brize Norton Peace Protest (+pics)

A small but highly effective Peace Vigil was held last night outside the main gates of RAF Brize Norton in West Oxfordshire. The colourful banners and placards proclaimed to passing commuters that this British air base is being used to refuel American transport aircraft taking weapons to Israel.

Thanks to peace activists at Prestwick the Americans no longer have the convenient option of refueling these weapons flights at civilian airports. Wednesday's peaceful protest at the base underlined the role of the British government in the Middle East conflict. Tony Blair is now giving active military support to Israel in their war against Lebanon by allowing these flights to refuel at RAF Brize Norton.

The many passing motorists who beeped and waved in support of the Peace campaigners were a welcome indication of the lack of support for this policy.

A further demonstration organised by Swindon Stop The War Coalition and CND will be held at RAF Brize Norton, Carterton, West Oxfordshire at 12 noon on Saturday 12 August.