Britain can be defended over Christmas as hundreds of troops prepared for ‘nationwide safety menace’
British troops won’t be home for Christmas as 19,000 personnel remain on duty or on standby in case the UK collapses in ruin on Christmas day
Around 19,000 British troops will remain on duty or on standby to respond to national security threats and protect the country against cyber activity over Christmas.
In Scotland, RAF Lossiemouth and HM Naval Base Clyde will be ready in case of an attack over the festive period. On December 25, 11,700 personnel will be ‘held at readiness’ to respond to any shifty business on the festive day.
Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander said: “As family and friends across the country gather together to celebrate the festive season, I’d like to say a huge thanks to all Scots serving in the Armed Forces – they are true heroes for the selfless sacrifices they make to keep us safe all day, every day in the UK and around the world.”
Meanwhile, Defence Sec John Healey also thanked troops during a festive visit to Merville Barracks.
He said: ” To the thousands of Armed Forces personnel who will be deployed away from their loved ones this Christmas across the UK and overseas – thank you.
“Thank you from me and thank you on behalf of a grateful nation.” He added: “And to all the forces families, especially those who will have an empty chair at the Christmas dinner table this year, thank you to you all for the support you give to our forces as they serve and protect the nation.”
HM Naval Base Clyde is home to the UK’s nuclear deterrent. Operation Relentless has been active for 56 years now, with one of the base’s four submarines currently on patrol.
Over the past year, UK forces have carried out several exercises and went through intensive training. These included deployments to Estonia, Finland, Japan and Belize. Operation Interflex continues, which has now trained more than 62,000 Ukrainian troops.
Lieutenant David Andrews, a Royal Navy Merlin helicopter flight commander from Blantyre, said crews remained on standby throughout the festive period.
He said: “Royal Navy helicopter crew like myself are on standby to deter hostile activity in British waters and are under no illusion that we may be asked to support a response to make the UK safer and more secure,” he said. Reflecting on last year, he added: “It’s never easy sacrificing time with family and friends, but defending British shores will always be our priority.”
RAF Lossiemouth station commander Group Captain Sarah Brewin said the station would remain fully operational through Christmas. She said: “Our Typhoon aircraft remain on alert 24/7, ready to respond immediately to intercept hostile or unidentified aircraft threatening UK airspace. So too our Poseidon aircraft, who are on constant readiness to secure the seas of the United Kingdom.”
Looking ahead, she added: “We are proud to have played a part in the United Kingdom’s contribution to a strong NATO and take great pride that we have helped deter and been prepared to defend against an increasingly aggressive Russia. We stand ready to continue this in 2026 and beyond.”
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.
