An MP and councillors representing the residents of the village near RAF Fairford who were evacuated due to a suspected terror plot have expressed scepticism and concern over the security response to threats made by Iran. About 85 properties in Whelford, Gloucestershire, were evacuated on Sunday morning after five men were arrested on suspicion of explosives offences in the village. The men, who were later re-arrested on suspicion of terror offences, were released on bail on Monday.
It is understood some residents were returning to their properties late on Monday, but a cordon remains around the village. As speculation mounted over the circumstances surrounding the incident, concerns emerged about how events were handled by the authorities. In July, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps noted RAF Fairford’s use by US bombers, warning the UK that “any base used for aggression against Iranian territory constitutes a legitimate target for our forces”.
However, it remains unclear who or what was behind the alleged activity. Iran has denied any involvement. Tehran’s embassy in London condemned what it described as “unfounded and malicious speculation” linking the country to the incident in the vicinity of the military base in Gloucestershire.
Roz Savage, the MP for South Cotswolds, said she had many questions about the circumstances of how the alleged terror plot was averted. The Liberal Democrat MP, whose constituency covers the military base, said she would be writing to the prime minister and the defence secretary with her concerns. However, I feel that the events of this weekend do cast that into doubt.” She went on: “Who knew what?
Where was the ball dropped? What more could have been done to secure the safety and security of my constituents? A farmer from Whelford told reporters she called police in the early hours of Sunday to report suspicious activity – which then triggered a rapid response.
But the US president, Donald Trump, also suggested to reporters the men had been under surveillance. Now, the men have been released on police bail. Tristan Wilkinson, a cabinet member for Cotswold district council and councillor for the Lechlade, Kempsford and Fairford South ward, which covers Whelford, said: “The American president indicated last night in front of journalists that there was some intelligence and that these individuals were under surveillance.
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