The Ministry of Defence has rejected calls for a major investigation into Scottish UFO sightings, stating that no report has ever posed a military threat to the United Kingdom. The official response was sent to paranormal investigators in Scotland, just days after the US government released a fourth batch of records on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAPs).
MOD's Stance on UFOs and UAPs
In a letter to Scottish author Malcolm Robinson, the MOD confirmed it has no plans to resume research into UFOs or UAPs, having ceased such investigations in 2009. The department emphasised that defence resources "remain focused on activities that directly support national security."
The letter, signed by the MoD Air Policy Secretariat, stated: "Whilst we note your interest in this matter, the Ministry of Defence has no opinion on the existence of either extra-terrestrials, Unidentified Flying Objects or Unidentified Aerial Phenomena. In over 50 years, no sighting reported to the Department has indicated the existence of any military threat to the United Kingdom and it is deemed more valuable to prioritise MOD staff towards other Defence-related activities."
All MOD files on UFOs created up to 2009 have been released to The National Archives. The letter also assured that the UK air defence community continuously monitors UK airspace to maintain a complete 'recognised air picture' as part of national security and NATO commitments.
Falkirk Triangle and Calls for Transparency
During the 1990s, a wave of sightings across central Scotland became known as the Falkirk Triangle, drawing global attention. Robinson, who has authored several books on the subject, has attempted to convince multiple former prime ministers, along with Bonnybridge councillor Billy Buchanan, to launch an official investigation. They have cross-referenced aviation, military, and police files but say they instead "faced ridicule" and dismissal.
Robinson recently wrote to former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, asking why Westminster is unwilling to examine a subject that has attracted serious attention from the US. Last month, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said long-classified files had fuelled "justified speculation" around UFOs, arguing the American people had a right to see the information.
New Prime Minister Urged to Act
After receiving the MOD's response, Robinson plans to take his case to new PM Andy Burnham. He said: "As a researcher, this is deeply disappointing. While the US Government, the Pentagon, and NASA have held public forums on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAPs) entering their airspace - treating them as a serious national security consideration - the MoD maintains that it has no interest in further studying the subject."
Robinson added: "While it is reassuring that the MoD continually monitors British airspace for threats, their official stance leaves us with two possibilities: either they are quietly investigating behind closed doors with a dedicated team, or they are simply refusing to follow America's lead in being open with the public. Having petitioned multiple Prime Ministers over the years demanding answers, it often feels as though no amount of public pressure will shake the tree of power. However, with Andy Burnham now as Prime Minister, perhaps one final throw of the dice is in order."
He urged the new Prime Minister to launch a government inquiry into UFOs over British airspace and, like the US, finally show transparency regarding an enigma that clearly demands answers.
