Downing Street has insisted that RAF Fairford remains safe after the United States withdrew all of its bombers from the Gloucestershire military base amid heightened security concerns.
The Pentagon confirmed on Sunday that all US bombers deployed to RAF Fairford had been redeployed to their home stations in the United States. The aircraft included B-1, B-2 and B-52 bombers.
The withdrawal follows a suspected terror plot targeting the base on September 27. Five British nationals in their 20s were arrested near the site on suspicion of terrorism and explosives offences and were later released on bail. A sixth man, a dual British-Iranian national, was also arrested on October 1 and released on bail.
Asked whether RAF Fairford was still considered safe, the Prime Minister's official spokesperson told reporters on Monday: “Yes.”
Downing Street said there had been no change to the government's position on the security of the base. The government also highlighted its wider investment in protecting military installations across the UK.
The US decision to move the bombers came after American officials reportedly received more specific information about potential threats to the base. The Pentagon did not provide details about the security considerations behind the redeployment, citing operational security.
RAF Fairford has been an important location for US bomber operations in Europe and has been used in military operations linked to the conflict with Iran. The United States has said that its bomber forces remain ready to conduct operations from other locations.
There have also been allegations of possible Iranian involvement in the suspected plot. UK officials have said there were indications of an Iranian link, while Iran has denied any involvement. No court has established responsibility for the alleged plot.
The withdrawal of the bombers does not mean RAF Fairford has been permanently closed or that the US has ended its use of the facility. Asked whether the aircraft could return, Downing Street said that decision would ultimately be a matter for US authorities.
The development comes as tensions between the United States and Iran remain high, with Washington considering its next steps in the conflict. The security situation around RAF Fairford is therefore expected to remain under close observation while investigations into the suspected plot continue.