Britain's Ministry of Defence (MoD) has ceased its research into unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and has no intention of resuming investigations into unexplained aerial phenomena (UAP), the military confirmed. This stance contrasts with recent actions by the United States government, which has declassified a significant volume of UFO-related files.
A UFO enthusiast, Malcolm Robinson, had urged the UK government for greater transparency, requesting the release of all UFO reports to the public. He noted the US government's recent disclosures of scores of UFO files, some dating back 80 years and including recent sightings of orbs, discs, and fireballs. Robinson called for the UK to follow suit by declassifying relevant files, reports, and footage, and to establish an independent inquiry.
"If the United States government is prepared to acknowledge unexplained incursions into its airspace and provide evidence to the public, why does the British government continue to dismiss calls for greater transparency?" Robinson stated in a letter, asserting that the British people deserve to be informed about matters affecting their airspace and national security.
The MoD responded to Robinson's request by stating that it stopped keeping records of mysterious flying objects nearly 20 years ago. "The MOD do not comment on US security arrangements, including their handling, disclosure, or publication of related material," the ministry said. "The MOD has not produced any new material on the investigation or reporting of UFOs or UAPs and has no plans to establish a dedicated team or resume research in this area."
The ministry emphasized that "Defence resources remain focused on activities that directly support national security."
However, the MoD did note that nearly 60,000 pages of previously restricted documentation on UFO reports and correspondence were declassified and transferred to The National Archives in 2013. These files cover reports up to the end of 2009. One of the most widely discussed incidents in the UK, the Calvine Incident of August 4, 1990, involved a spectacular image of a UFO taken in the hills above the A9 in Scotland. The object reportedly dwarfed a nearby Harrier jet and ascended vertically at high speed before vanishing. According to reports, the MoD requested that the names of the witnesses in this incident remain sealed for an additional 54 years until 2076 due to privacy concerns, despite the usual 30-year declassification period.
Robinson, who has investigated paranormal phenomena since 1979, expressed disappointment with the MoD's response and indicated he would seek involvement from the Scottish Government if the official stance remains unchanged. He stated, "The bottom line is, be clear, be transparent. Here in the UK we have as much a UFO mystery as anywhere else in the world and we just want answers from the Ministry of Defence."