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Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Defence chiefs were warned three weeks ago that RAF Brize Norton could be targeted
Bungling defence chiefs were warned about the threat of disruption at RAF Brize Norton less than three weeks ago but failed to shore up the crucial base's defences. Armed Forces top brass were said to be left speechless after pro-Palestinian supporters entered the base unopposed and sprayed red paint into the engines of RAF Voyager aircraft. Shocking footage shared by the group Palestinian Action showed protesters storming across the RAF runway in Oxfordshire on electric scooters. Bodycam images then show them spraying red paint into the turbine engines of the air-to-air refuelling tankers which the RAF say are 'vital for enhancing the operational reach and flexibility of Britain's military air power'. But the recent Strategic Defence Review (SDR) published earlier this month warned about the danger of 'disruption' to RAF Brize Norton, with the logistic supply line being targeted. It called for greater resilience at the base and named the RAF Voyager as one of several aircraft which should be protected. Under the SDR chapter entitled Air Domain on page 114, the review states: 'The changing nature of the threat to UK and allied security means that RAF logistic support arrangements must be more resilient to disruption and military assault. 'Particular attention should be given to contingency planning for RAF Brize Norton, the main hub in the UK for much of what the RAF delivers globally.' One senior RAF source last night told The Mail on Sunday: 'This failure of security simply beggars belief. Where was the security? This is the responsibility of the RAF Police dog patrols and the RAF Regiment. This time it was misguided protesters, next time it could be terrorists or Russian agents.' Air Marshal Greg Bagwell, a former RAF jet pilot and senior RAF officer added: 'This is another wake-up call for our domestic security on bases – whether it be enemy drones or activists on e-scooters, we need to be better prepared and protected.' Brize Norton is the largest RAF base in the country, with around 5,800 service members, 300 civilian staff and 1,200 contractors. A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said: 'We strongly condemn this vandalism of Royal Air Force assets. We are working closely with the police who are investigating. Our Armed Forces represent the very best of Britain. It is our responsibility to support those who defend us.' A bitter 'sexism' row erupted last night over claims that the female commander of RAF Brize Norton bore responsibility for the security lapse. Group Captain Louise Henton faced calls to quit yesterday from former servicemen who said she lacked the experience to run the RAF's largest base. One critic mocked her as a 'woke wing commander' whose main RAF career had been in personnel infrastructure management and administration. He added: 'She should quit over this security breach.' But Labour MP and ex-RAF squadron leader Calvin Bailey dismissed the criticism as 'sexist', insisting the security failings were not her fault. He said: 'She's been handed a base that has for generations not been invested in. It's an organisational choice – it's got nothing to do with the individual in situ now.' A Ministry of Defence source called the 'woke' allegations 'nonsense'.
Middle East Eye
a day ago
- Politics
- Middle East Eye
UK could ban Palestinian Action group following RAF air base break in
The Palestinian Action group, a pro-Palestinian protest group, could be banned in the UK and be defined as a "terrorist" organisation, according to the BBC. The move comes shortly after the group said on Friday that two of its members broke into a UK RAF air base on scooters, and defaced two military aircraft with red spray paint, in a breach of security in a location used to park transport planes of the king and the prime minister. The individuals fled the RAF's Brize Norton air base in Oxfordshire without being arrested. According to the BBC, the UK home secretary, Yvette Cooper, plans to bring forward a statement to Parliament on Monday. If passed, the group will be illegal in Britain. Earlier, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer denounced the incident, describing it as "disgraceful and an act of vandalism".
Al Bawaba
14-03-2025
- Politics
- Al Bawaba
Pro-Palestinian activists vandalize Trump's golf courses in protest over Gaza remarks
ALBAWABA - Following his divisive remarks on Gaza, pro-Palestinian protestors have targeted many of former US President Donald Trump's golf clubs. Vandalism in Scotland and Ireland was intended to send a powerful political statement against Trump's projected plans for the Palestinian enclave. Also Read At least 151 Palestinians killed since start of Gaza ceasefire On the grounds of Trump's golf club in Scotland, demonstrators spray-painted the words "Gaza is not for sale" in big white letters on Saturday. They also excavated portions of the course's vegetation and splattered paint over the clubhouse. At the same time, Trump's golf course in Doonbeg, Ireland, saw another similar incident of vandalism, according to the Palestinian Action organization. In protest, activists allegedly pulled up the grass and spread Palestinian flags all over the golf course. Trump's favorite pastime has been golf, and the former president often spends weekends at his courses across the globe. Since he took office in January 2017, security expenses for his golf trips have topped $18 million, further burdening American taxpayers. After Trump's botched assassination attempt at one of his Florida golf resorts last year, security worries have increased. A group of activists wrecked Trump's Doonbeg golf course in Ireland, digging up the greens and planting Palestinian flags across the course. — PALESTINE ONLINE 🇵🇸 (@OnlinePalEng) March 14, 2025 Trump recently said that the United States should retake Gaza, reconstruct it, and make it the "Riviera of the Middle East." This is the reason for the damage. Trump referred to Gaza as a "ruin" and said that its citizens should move permanently to nations like Jordan or Egypt. In addition, he stated plans to go to Gaza and alluded to the deployment of American forces there. The instances are part of a rising worldwide response to Trump's remarks about the Palestinian dilemma, with people expressing their disagreement via symbolic acts of disobedience.
