United Kingdom Military Installations

John Cooper Excerpts

Thursday 12th November 2026 Commons Chamber

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)]

Last but not least, John Cooper.

[John Cooper (Dumfries and Galloway) (Con)]

Driving past RAF Lossiemouth or the civilian Prestwick airport, one can see military aircraft lined up in serried ranks—transport aircraft, interceptors, maritime patrol aircraft. What consideration has been given to some cheap physical security, such as hardened aircraft shelters or revetments, rather than parking them out in the open air? At the moment, it looks like a Russian drone jockey’s dream.

[Luke Pollard]

I have seen in person the exceptional work that the aircrews do at RAF Lossiemouth. We have based a number of critical assets there, and I can reassure the hon. Gentleman that we take security there very seriously. If he has any particular concerns, I would welcome having a private conversation with him, and perhaps arranging a briefing so that he can be reassured that the Royal Air Force is taking the necessary measures. It is important to say, however, that we cannot remove all risk with these base protection measures, which is why we train our people and give them the tools and skills required to work with our partners to deter and respond to any risks that exist. That is the case across the United Kingdom, and I want to thank everyone involved in those efforts.