Two Latvian men held under National Security Act after RAF Molesworth breach
Two Latvian nationals have been arrested after breaching the perimeter fence at RAF Molesworth, a military base in Cambridgeshire that houses UK military intelligence operations and US Air Force units. The men were discovered during security patrols on Wednesday evening, initially charged with trespass and criminal damage before being re-arrested under the National Security Act 2023 for entering a prohibited place with purpose prejudicial to the UK.
The two men, aged 36 and 32, are both Latvian nationals and UK residents who remain in custody whilst Counter Terrorism Policing London leads the investigation. An abandoned vehicle found near the breach was checked by specialist explosive ordnance disposal officers as a precaution, though nothing concerning was found, and officers are searching addresses in the Peterborough area. The force has stressed there is currently no indication the incident is linked to a separate suspected bomb plot at RAF Fairford last week.
- Two Latvian men arrested for breaching RAF Molesworth perimeter fence on Wednesday
- Later arrested under National Security Act 2023 for entering prohibited place
- Counter Terrorism Policing leading investigation with no link yet to RAF Fairford incident
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RAF Molesworth is a military base in Cambridgeshire that hosts UK military intelligence operations alongside US Air Force units. Two Latvian nationals breached the base's perimeter fence and were discovered by security patrols on Wednesday evening.
The men have been charged under the National Security Act 2023 rather than ordinary criminal law. This law is used for offences that threaten national security, suggesting authorities believe the breach has implications beyond simple trespass.
The base's role in UK and US defence operations makes it a sensitive facility, and unauthorised access to such facilities is treated as a serious security concern. This explains the level of authorities' response and why the incident is being pursued under national security laws.
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The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Those prioritising national security contend that RAF Molesworth's sensitivity—hosting UK military intelligence and US Air Force operations—justifies thorough investigation of any breach. A deliberate perimeter intrusion requires authorities to determine swiftly whether it involves reconnaissance, espionage, or hostile testing of defences. The National Security Act's application reflects appropriate seriousness: without such legal tools, critical threats could go undetected. Protecting military infrastructure from unauthorised access is essential to national defence and justifies detention pending investigation.
The case against
Those emphasising civil liberties and proportionality raise concerns about the Act's breadth. Initial charges of trespass and criminal damage, combined with the absence of explosives or suspicious materials, suggest the security threat may not justify detention under national security provisions. The Act's definition of 'purpose prejudicial to the UK' allows detention based on intent rather than demonstrated harm, risking normalisation of emergency powers for routine trespassing. Proper oversight and proportional responses are crucial to preventing mission creep in security legislation.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Two Latvian nationals are arrested for trespass after ‘breaking through perimeter fence’ at RAF Molesworth in Cambridgeshire”.