'Absolutely staggering' security breach at RAF base - as activists break in and vandalise aircraft
Sir Keir Starmer has condemned the incident at RAF Brize Norton as "disgraceful" - with a security review launched across the defence estate.
Friday 20 June 2025 14:44, UK
A security review has been launched after a breach at an RAF base in Oxfordshire, which has been condemned as "absolutely staggering".
Pro-Palestinian activists targeted RAF Brize Norton and damaged two military aircraft - with Sir Keir Starmer describing their actions as "disgraceful".
Downing Street has now confirmed security is being reviewed across the "whole defence estate" - but stressed the incident did not disrupt any operations.
A spokesman said: "We treat all breaches of security very seriously, and where there is suspected criminal activity, we will take the necessary steps to investigate and prosecute in line with longstanding principle."
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Brize Norton is the largest RAF station - with approximately 5,800 service personnel, 300 civilian staff and 1,200 contractors.
In a video shared online by Palestine Action, a person can be seen approaching an aircraft on a scooter as music is played. Red paint can be seen on the ground.
On X, the prime minister condemned the "act of vandalism", adding: "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 Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed it is "working closely with the police, who are investigating".
Palestine Action - which focuses its campaigns on multinational arms dealers and has previously targeted corporate banks - said it had damaged two military planes at the base, where flights depart on a daily basis for RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.
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Aircraft based at Akrotiri include RAF Typhoons, which were used last year in strikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen, as well as Puma helicopters.
The group said two activists "broke into the largest air force base in Britain and used electric scooters to swiftly manoeuvre towards the planes".
Repurposed fire extinguishers were used to spray red paint into the turbine engines of two Airbus Voyagers, while further damage was made using crowbars.
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"Red paint, symbolising Palestinian bloodshed was also sprayed across the runway and a Palestine flag was left on the scene," the statement said.
"Both activists managed to evade security and arrest."
A Palestine Action spokesman added: "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 in the genocide and prevented crimes against the Palestinian people."
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A senior RAF source told Sky News: "The claims made by the group who broke into RAF Brize Norton show a complete lack of understanding of how the RAF operates and what these aircraft do.
"The UK is not supporting Israeli operations and these aircraft have not been used in support of Israeli forces in any shape or form."
Ben Obese-Jecty, a Tory MP and former Army officer, said the breach was "absolutely staggering".
"Given the current heightened global tensions, the increase in activity and the recent exploitation of the vulnerability of Russian airbases by Ukraine, it is incredible that our busiest RAF base could be compromised," he said.