No 10 insists British air bases safe after US aircraft moved from RAF Mildenhall

Downing Street has insisted British air bases are safe and their security is a “top priority” after US aircraft were moved from RAF Mildenhall.

Several American refuelling tankers were diverted from the site to Germany and other locations in the wake of a threat from Iran, the Wall Street Journal reported.

The exact nature of the threat is not known and remains under discussion among US officials, according to the newspaper.

Asked what contact had been made with the US about the safety of their planes, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “As you know, the US is one of our top security partners.

“We’re in constant communication with them, sharing intelligence and accessing threats together.

“Aircraft and other assets move regularly according to operational requirements.”

The official added: “The protection of our bases, both in the UK and across the world, is a top priority.”

Asked whether the Government maintained that British bases were safe, he said: “Yes.”

A USAF Stratotanker plane on the Tarmac at RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk (Joe Giddens/PA)

PA Wire

No 10 pointed to a statement from the US saying that its planes “rotate between installations and operating locations for a variety of reasons including training and real world requirements”.

A US European Command official said: “US military aircraft are hosted in accordance with access, basing, and overflight agreements with our Allies and partners.

“Due to operations security, we will not provide further information on movement of assets.”

On Monday, President Donald Trump said the US was “seeing positive momentum toward an end” to the conflict with Iran.

He wrote on Truth Social: “I had an excellent conversation with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, the Prime Minister of Qatar, wherein much was discussed with respect to the Islamic Republic of Iran.

“Most importantly, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and others, would prefer the status quo, in other words, a continuation of the Greatest Naval Blockade in History, and the new Operation Iron Gate — Therefore, Land and Sea. All have agreed that Iran cannot have a Nuclear Weapon — That is non-negotiable!

“Should there be any change with respect to developments in the Middle East, the United States of America is “locked and loaded” and ready to go.

“At this point, however, that seems to be quite unlikely. Israel, and the entire Middle East, are protected from Iranian danger and threats.

“We are seeing positive momentum toward an end to this Conflict, and will ensure that America’s interests are at all times protected. At the conclusion of this Military Engagement, the American People, and the World, will be far safer and more secure.”