UK's arsenal of nuclear bombers will be protected by garden fence just 5 FEET tall – amid fury over Brize Norton breach
Britain's state-of-the-art warplanes across the country are being 'guarded' by flimsy wooden fences and even hedgerows in a huge security risk, according to a new investigation by
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8
New F-35 bombers are nuclear-capable
8
The jets will reportedly be protected by a 5ft-high fence that could be scaled by saboteurs
Credit: The Telegraph
8
Other bases were also at risk with flimsy defences
Credit: The Telegraph
The outlet found that some of the RAF's most critical airbases could be waltzed into by determined activists or enemy agents with barely a barbed wire in sight.
In one shocking case, a 5ft chain-link fence was all that stood between infiltrators and a base tipped to host Britain's new nuclear-ready F-35 fighter jets.
At other bases, entire sections of the perimeter are protected by garden-style wooden fences, patchy CCTV, or even nothing at all – making them sitting ducks for intruders, according to findings.
It comes after huge security concerns were raised in recent weeks following a break in at RAF Brize Norton.
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Read more News
An estimated £7million of damage was inflicted at the Oxfordshire air base including military aircraft sprayed with paint during the raid.
The group
Palestine Action
have claimed the damage on two Voyager aircraft was carried out by them.
The group has since vowed to strike again, naming two more RAF bases as future targets, including one that trains the UK's top military officers.
The Telegraph, which accessed a secret meeting of the group, reports that one of the bases has a four-mile stretch of perimeter made up of broken fences, drystone walls, or open access points.
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Most read in The Sun
Breaking
Shocking findings also revealed that there were also two gates that are simply left open.
Another site had three unmanned gate barriers with gaping holes in between, giving infiltrators a straight run onto the grounds.
UK military ready for war Greg Bagwell former Air Marshal RAF says
One of the bases targeted is reportedly linked to Elbit Systems UK, a weapons firm repeatedly targeted by activists.
And while some 10ft black metal fences have recently gone up on site, huge gaps remain.
Advertisement
Even the RAF's main intelligence hub isn't safe, with 700 metres of its perimeter protected by a mix of hedges and low metal fencing.
There is no barbed wire in sight and a handy escape route leads straight onto the A15.
Nearby, another base is protected only by a 6ft-high, garden-style wooden fence for almost 1.5 miles along its north and eastern perimeter.
The major base is home to RAF Typhoon fighter squadrons.
Advertisement
Insiders admitted to the Telegraph that the defences were 'not perfect'.
Security experts have already warned the sites' weaknesses are clearly visible on Google Street View and is highly likely to have already been assessed by activists and foreign agents.
8
The 5ft high chain link fence
Credit: The Telegraph
8
It comes after RAF Brize Norton was broken into and vandalised
Credit: Alamy
Advertisement
8
Security experts have already warned against the fence
Credit: The Telegraph
The Telegraph claims to have handed over its dossier to the Ministry of Defence.
However, it is refusing to name the bases or pinpointing the weak spots, for national security reasons.
Video posted online last month showed yobs from
Palestine Action
vandalising Voyager aircraft at Brize Norton.
Advertisement
Four people have since appeared in court since the attack and have been remanded into custody to next appear at the Old Bailey on July 18.
It is understood that enhanced measures are in place following the infiltration at Brize Norton and that security at all bases is under review.
Further 'layered' security measures are also in place inside the bases and other non-visible security measures being used include electronic motion sensors.
Sources also said there were air safety limits on the height of fences that can be erected immediately next to runways.
Advertisement
The majority of the five bases' perimeters consist of barbed wire-topped metal fencing and main gates are guarded by uniformed personnel.
Frequent patrols are conducted by the RAF, police and dog units,
and signs warn people to keep out.
A MoD spokesperson told the Telegraph: 'We take security extremely seriously and operate a multi-layered approach to protect our sites, including fencing, patrols and CCTV monitoring.
'Following the security incident at RAF Brize Norton, we are urgently reviewing security procedures across the Defence estate and have immediately implemented a series of enhanced security measures at all sites.
Advertisement
'After years of hollowing out and underfunding of the Armed Forces, the Strategic Defence Review concluded that we need to invest more in this area, backed by the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War.'
8
Military aircraft were sprayed with paint during a break-in at RAF Brize Norton
Credit: Unpixs
8
Footage posted online showed two people inside the Oxfordshire base at night, with one spraying paint into the engine of an Airbus
Credit: Unpixs
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20 hours ago
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It prompted an investigation by counter terror police and widespread condemnation of their actions by political figures, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who described it as "disgraceful" and an "act of vandalism". The incident also raised many questions around how people could breach the perimeter fence of the base. It was subsequently claimed that £7 million worth of damage was caused to two Voyager aircraft. Last week four people were remanded in custody and charged with conspiracy to commit criminal damage and conspiracy to enter a prohibited place knowingly for a purpose prejudicial to the safety or interest of the UK. They were 29-year-old Amy Gardiner-Gibson, 24-year-old Jony Cink, 35-year-old Daniel Jeronymides-Norie and 22-year-old Lewie Chiaramello. Prohibited group Palestine Action describes itself as "a pro-Palestinian organisation which disrupts the arms industry in the United Kingdom with direct action". It says that it is "committed to ending global participation in Israel's genocidal and apartheid regime". The group was formed in 2020. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper was quick to announce to parliament that she would proscribe Palestine Action as a terrorist group after the incident at RAF Brize Norton. Announcing her decision, she said that there was a "long history of unacceptable criminal damage committed by Palestine Action". The proscription of the group was approved by the UK parliament, 385 to 26, meaning that membership or support of the group could result in a jail sentence of up to 14 years. Other proscribed international groups include al-Qaeda, Boko Haram, Hezbollah and the so-called Islamic State (ISIS). The IRA and UVF are among proscribed groups linked to Northern Ireland. An appeal of that decision to proscribe Palestine Action was held last Friday but failed. Another appeal is due to be heard in the High Court later this month. Protests On Saturday, 5 July protests were held in London against the decision to proscribe Palestine Action as a terrorist group. There were 29 arrests. Among those arrested, was 83-year-old retired priest, Reverend Sue Parfitt. During the protest she could be seen sitting in a camp chair holding one of the many signs that read, 'I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action'. As she was led away by police, she described the ban of Palestine Action as "total nonsense" and a "loss of civil liberties in this country". In a statement that day, Metropolitan Police said that officers were "responding to a protest in support of Palestine Action". "The group is now proscribed and expressing support for them is a criminal offence." In a letter to the Home Secretary, the group said that they "do not wish to go to prison or to be branded with a terrorism conviction, but we refuse to be cowed into silence by your order." Those arrested have since been released on bail as police make further inquiries. Reaction The sight of Sue Parfitt, a long-time activist, being arrested prompted many questions around whether the policing of the protest was heavy-handed. Asked by the BBC the following morning if the arrests were a good use of police time, Met Police commissioner Mark Rowley said that "the law doesn't have an age limit, whether you're 18 or 80". He added, that "if you're supporting proscribed organisations, then the law is going to be enforced. "Officers, you could see, did it with great care and tried to preserve that person's dignity, but they're breaking a serious law." Mr Rowley also said that Palestine Action have been involved in "some really serious criminal offences" that pre-date what happened at RAF Brize Norton. Further protests Supporters of Palestine Action have indicated that there will be further protests in opposition to the decision to ban the group. 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The human rights lawyer, Gareth Peirce, who is part of Mr Ó hAnnaidh's legal team, is also expected to be part of the team arguing against the proscription. Ms Peirce was the solicitor for Gerry Conlon and the Guildford Four and WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange during his fight against US extradition. The proscription of Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation may have been intended to diminish the notoriety of the group. However, with further protests planned and a court challenge to the decision later this month, debate around Palestine Action will likely continue for sometime to come.
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UK's arsenal of nuclear bombers will be protected by garden fence just 5 FEET tall – amid fury over Brize Norton breach
THE UK's deadly arsenal of nuclear bomber jets will only be protected by a 5ft garden fence amid fury over the Brize Norton breach. Britain's state-of-the-art warplanes across the country are being 'guarded' by flimsy wooden fences and even hedgerows in a huge security risk, according to a new investigation by Advertisement 8 New F-35 bombers are nuclear-capable 8 The jets will reportedly be protected by a 5ft-high fence that could be scaled by saboteurs Credit: The Telegraph 8 Other bases were also at risk with flimsy defences Credit: The Telegraph The outlet found that some of the RAF's most critical airbases could be waltzed into by determined activists or enemy agents with barely a barbed wire in sight. In one shocking case, a 5ft chain-link fence was all that stood between infiltrators and a base tipped to host Britain's new nuclear-ready F-35 fighter jets. At other bases, entire sections of the perimeter are protected by garden-style wooden fences, patchy CCTV, or even nothing at all – making them sitting ducks for intruders, according to findings. It comes after huge security concerns were raised in recent weeks following a break in at RAF Brize Norton. Advertisement Read more News An estimated £7million of damage was inflicted at the Oxfordshire air base including military aircraft sprayed with paint during the raid. The group Palestine Action have claimed the damage on two Voyager aircraft was carried out by them. The group has since vowed to strike again, naming two more RAF bases as future targets, including one that trains the UK's top military officers. The Telegraph, which accessed a secret meeting of the group, reports that one of the bases has a four-mile stretch of perimeter made up of broken fences, drystone walls, or open access points. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Breaking Shocking findings also revealed that there were also two gates that are simply left open. Another site had three unmanned gate barriers with gaping holes in between, giving infiltrators a straight run onto the grounds. UK military ready for war Greg Bagwell former Air Marshal RAF says One of the bases targeted is reportedly linked to Elbit Systems UK, a weapons firm repeatedly targeted by activists. And while some 10ft black metal fences have recently gone up on site, huge gaps remain. Advertisement Even the RAF's main intelligence hub isn't safe, with 700 metres of its perimeter protected by a mix of hedges and low metal fencing. There is no barbed wire in sight and a handy escape route leads straight onto the A15. Nearby, another base is protected only by a 6ft-high, garden-style wooden fence for almost 1.5 miles along its north and eastern perimeter. The major base is home to RAF Typhoon fighter squadrons. Advertisement Insiders admitted to the Telegraph that the defences were 'not perfect'. Security experts have already warned the sites' weaknesses are clearly visible on Google Street View and is highly likely to have already been assessed by activists and foreign agents. 8 The 5ft high chain link fence Credit: The Telegraph 8 It comes after RAF Brize Norton was broken into and vandalised Credit: Alamy Advertisement 8 Security experts have already warned against the fence Credit: The Telegraph The Telegraph claims to have handed over its dossier to the Ministry of Defence. However, it is refusing to name the bases or pinpointing the weak spots, for national security reasons. Video posted online last month showed yobs from Palestine Action vandalising Voyager aircraft at Brize Norton. Advertisement Four people have since appeared in court since the attack and have been remanded into custody to next appear at the Old Bailey on July 18. It is understood that enhanced measures are in place following the infiltration at Brize Norton and that security at all bases is under review. Further 'layered' security measures are also in place inside the bases and other non-visible security measures being used include electronic motion sensors. Sources also said there were air safety limits on the height of fences that can be erected immediately next to runways. Advertisement The majority of the five bases' perimeters consist of barbed wire-topped metal fencing and main gates are guarded by uniformed personnel. Frequent patrols are conducted by the RAF, police and dog units, and signs warn people to keep out. A MoD spokesperson told the Telegraph: 'We take security extremely seriously and operate a multi-layered approach to protect our sites, including fencing, patrols and CCTV monitoring. 'Following the security incident at RAF Brize Norton, we are urgently reviewing security procedures across the Defence estate and have immediately implemented a series of enhanced security measures at all sites. Advertisement 'After years of hollowing out and underfunding of the Armed Forces, the Strategic Defence Review concluded that we need to invest more in this area, backed by the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War.' 8 Military aircraft were sprayed with paint during a break-in at RAF Brize Norton Credit: Unpixs 8 Footage posted online showed two people inside the Oxfordshire base at night, with one spraying paint into the engine of an Airbus Credit: Unpixs
