MOD orders review of security at RAF bases after 'disturbing' break-in at Brize Norton
The Ministry of Defence has launched an investigation after members of a group supporting Palestine broke into RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire and sprayed two military aircraft with red paint.
Commenting on the incident on X, Defence Secretary John Healey said: "The vandalism of RAF planes is totally unacceptable."
"I am really disturbed that this happened and have ordered an investigation and a review of wider security at our bases."
A 34-second video posted on X by Palestine Action shows people on electric scooters moving rapidly across the runway in the hours of darkness, heading towards a Voyager aircraft.
Red paint is then sprayed on the plane's engine and is also seen on the runway below afterwards.
Voyager aircraft are typically used for transporting troops, as well as mid-air refuelling.
"These aircraft are used by our military personnel to support security and peace around the world," added Mr Healey.
"This action does nothing to support Gaza or our push for peace and stability in the Middle East."
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has also strongly criticised the group's actions.
"The act of vandalism committed at RAF Brize Norton is disgraceful," he said in a statement on X.
"Our Armed Forces represent the very best of Britain and put their lives on the line for us every day.
"It is our responsibility to support those who defend us."
The local Liberal Democrat MP for Witney, Charlie Maynard, has called for those responsible to be brought to justice.
"I have been in touch with the station to offer my support and seek more information on the reported incident that occurred at RAF Brize Norton last night," he said.
"We need to establish how this happened and what can be done in future to make sure no further breaches occur.
"These reported actions were stupid and dangerous.
"They need to be fully investigated and there must be consequences for these criminal actions."
The MOD says it is working with the police to track down the perpetrators.
"We strongly condemn this vandalism of Royal Air Force assets," it said in a statement. "We are working closely with the police, who are investigating."
However, Palestine Action has continued to openly defend its actions on X after the break-in, saying it targeted the airfield because the RAF uses it for flights to Cyprus.
"From Cyprus, British planes collect intelligence, refuel fighter jets and transport weapons to commit genocide in Gaza," the group claimed.
A Palestine Action spokesperson stated: "Despite publicly condemning the Israeli government, Britain continues to send military cargo, fly spy planes over Gaza and refuel US/Israeli fighter jets.
"Britain isn't just complicit, it's an active participant in the Gaza genocide and war crimes across the Middle East.
"By decommissioning two military planes, Palestine Action have directly intervened to break the chains of oppression."
The vulnerability of RAF bases in the UK to evolving security threats was recently flagged in the Strategic Defence Review.
"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," the document states.
"Particular attention should be given to contingency planning for RAF Brize Norton for much of what the RAF delivers globally."
The implementation of any new security measures is likely to have increased urgency in light of this incident.
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