UK Column News — 5th October 2026

Mike Robinson (0:16)

Good afternoon, it's Monday, the 5th of October, 2026, just after one o'clock. Welcome to the UK Column News. I'm Hearst Mike Robinson. Joining me in the studio today is Brian Gerrish. Welcome to the program, Brian.

Brian Gerrish (0:25)

Pleasure to be here, Mike.

Mike Robinson (0:26)

And we're also joined today by Charles Malet by Video Link. And I later in the program will be reporting on the future of funding for the BBC, the state of government communications and the lawsuit in the Netherlands over what happened over COVID there.

But we're going to begin today with the latest in the twists and the turns because this just gets more silly by the minute, Charles of RAF Fairford.

Charles Malet (0:52)

Good afternoon, Mike, Brian and everybody listening and watching. Yes, as you say, it is very hard to keep up not just with what is happening or has happened, but crucially, why? And we go to the New York Times for the headline from today's news, which is that US rushes to withdraw bombers from UK airbase after new threats. Now in terms of qualifying that it is a difficult job to do because of course, this has only really been issued to mainstream publications and the likes of UK Column, of course, not party to any of the original disclosure from the US military sources. But it does seem that the B1 bombers that have been stationed at RAF Fairford over the last several months have now departed and in quick fashion.

Why exactly remains to be seen? And of course, there is a question about the JDAM munitions that were held at the base. And of course, the explosive risk that they pose, never discussed really. I think this would be the right time to remind you that at the time that the British government gave permission to US visiting forces to use Fairford at this moment, it was for specific and limited defensive action against missile facilities in Iran. And with regard to the decision made by the US visiting forces to clear out at least some of their infrastructure, I think I would just quote General Sir Richard Sherriff, who when he spoke to UK Column, reminded the audience that the United States only acts in the interest of the United States. Now, what I'd like to do is just put that question briefly back to the studio.

Mike and Brian, what are your thoughts? Why do you think they have chosen now to leave in quite such a hurry?

Mike Robinson (2:42)

You first.

Brian Gerrish (2:43)

Well, that's an absolute killer question, Charles, because I found this one very difficult to think through. I think what comes into my head is that Trump has been very keen to find ways to disengage in the Middle East.

Obviously, he was very outspoken on the back of this incident when it first occurred to blame it on Iran. So I wonder whether this is simply using the turbulence and vagueness around what has actually taken place as a way to withdraw the bombers, which he knows will in general go down well in the Western world. Even if it's not recognized by Andy Burnham and the government, many people in UK are going to sigh with relief and therefore, Trump has apparently or seemingly done something good. But of course, the other thing we need to go is all of the munitions, which will still be in the deep bunkers on that base. And until we see American transport aircraft removing them, the problem still remains that American aircraft could come back in. But lastly, I just say that if the Americans are saying they had to get their aircraft out because of an Iranian threat, what they're saying is that the United States is not even capable of defending one of its military bases.

Mike Robinson (4:15)

United Kingdom, you mean?

Brian Gerrish (4:16)

Sorry.

Mike Robinson (4:17)

The United Kingdom isn't capable of defending one of its bases?

Brian Gerrish (4:20)

No, the Americans are not capable of defending their airbase in the United Kingdom, which is a pretty poor reflection on them. Or do they know that there's a massive attack coming, which the UK government is not telling us about?

I just say that my money is on the fact that Trump is able to use this for political advantage as he sees it will basically reflect well on him in the longer term.

Mike Robinson (4:48)

Well, and in the short term, because we've got to remember that the midterms are only a few weeks away and perhaps everything that he's doing at the moment is geared towards that.

Brian Gerrish (4:57)

Yeah, that's my best effort.