Fleet of heavily armed US military planes land in England

petra

*Falling star*
The US pay nothing for the bases.

That’s not strictly true. They may not pay rent as such but they pay operational, maintenance and development costs which benefits the UK with regard to security and intelligence.
They also provide a huge boost to the local economy.

I just read that Russia has intercepted the tanker that was possibly headed to Venezuela. Update to come!

Allira

SueDonim

I couldn’t say about this alleged arrival of US aircraft but surely generally US bases are needed in the UK as part of the NATO defence system. If we expect the US to defend us, we have to play our part.

Yes, supposedly NATO.

Although, of course, as an autonomous territory of Denmark, Greenland is a member of NATO.

If Trump attacks Greenland that will be the end of NATO. They have air bases in the UK as a part of NATO and to facilitate their access to the Middle East. Our strongest card if Trump does attack Greenland is to terminate their bases here.

Cossy

According to the Times, “ At least 14 Globemasters and two Ghostriders have landed at RAF bases since Saturday as the US builds its military might in Britain after Maduro’s capture”

I know the USA have airbases everywhere, including Greenland, but why?

Are they benefitting those countries in which they are situated or just benefiting the USA?

I’m aware that the UK also has bases still in other countries, but to the best of my knowledge not USA or Canada.

Is it time to revisit whether USA troops are welcome in our Country?

US troops are welcome in our country, and I can’t see that ever changing.
In the rush to condemn any action taken by Trump as he’s so disliked there’s no reason at all to dislike the US and Trump will be gone in a few short years for a new President.

Trump is unlikely to attack Greenland but he may just move more and more military there instead.

Oreo

Trump is unlikely to attack Greenland but he may just move more and more military there instead.

That doesn’t seem to be happening though. Supposedly America can have as many military bases there as they like so security has never been a problem. Just as Venezuela isn’t about drugs this isn’t about security. Trump is doing things that he had (openly) planned to do during his second term but was thwarted by Bidens victory. People who voted for him this time round should have looked back to his previous plans.He’s doing it in plain sight and no one in his country is stopping him.

Paperbackwriter

SueDonim

According to the BBC, a number of US military planes left the UK this morning and the US has seized the empty oil tanker in the Atlantic that is linked to Venezuelan oil. It is apparently empty.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cwynjdqgellt

There are ( I gather..) 14 empty tankers out there that the US is having a Good Look at.

There is no profit for Trump in empty tankers.

Perhaps 'empty' means no oil?
Perhaps these tankers are removing Russian 'equipment' from Venezuela, back to the homeland?
Unlikely we will be told.

Allira

The US has a significant presence here anyway?

Scaremongering?

Maybe, but I’m seriously wondering if the UK should review the US bases in the light of their current leader?

Oreo

Trump is unlikely to attack Greenland but he may just move more and more military there instead.

IMO, I just don’t think you can bank on this I’m afraid. If Trump was in any way “stable” or a “deep thinker” I’d be inclined to agree, however given his voracity for signing off executive orders at an alarming rate.

SueDonim

I couldn’t say about this alleged arrival of US aircraft but surely generally US bases are needed in the UK as part of the NATO defence system. If we expect the US to defend us, we have to play our part.

Do you think, currently, US would “defend” us?

Personally, I think its all a blooming awful situation

Scaremongering. Flexing muscles to make sure we know all about it.

The crunch time is indeed if those places are used to attack Greenland or any of our allies, and the airbases act as a take off point

Thank you that information, GG13, most helpful.

Pretty sure I saw a Globemaster myself, day before yesterday.

I felt comforted by it, when I had realised what I had seen.

I have a cold which is muddling my thinking.
Not sure what I will feel about it when my head is clearer.

I think, from a personal point of view, it feels safer to be "on the US side".

I think what Trump has done is wrong behaviour.

Europe needs to be on Europe’s sides because make no mistake, Trump will never defend Europe.

We can trade and continue diplomatic relations with the USA but we can never rely on them.

Are you thinking about what is safest for the Uk?

Trump says Europe will be changed in 20 years. He has managed to make the USA unrecognizable to its friends in 12 months. Knowing for some time that America is no longer the friend and ally of Europe we must pivot away from the USA. it will take time but there is no going back.

There is no time.

So now what?

fancythat

Are you thinking about what is safest for the Uk?

Yes I am.

Europe and allies will always have more in common with the USA and other western allies but when it comes to defence, we must recognise reality and understand that the USA can no longer be relied on as it could be post war and throughout the Cold War.

Those days have gone.

Europe knows that combined we make a pretty solid block to Russia, and it is time we acted upon this reality, particularly if NATO is impoverished and weakened by USA action.

We must look to Europe and work much closer.

I thought the idea was for Trump to make an offer to buy Greenland? Wonder how much money is on the table?
Greenland may have a phenomenal offer- we don’t know. If outright sale doesn’t happen then leasing it might? Or buying the rights to its minerals?
I don’t see this potential business transaction as a cause for war. At least I hope not.

Empty or not it's a sanctioned vessel.

Europe knows that combined we make a pretty solid block to Russia

You dont sound convinced.

Plus what about threats to the Uk from elsewhere?

Or threats to Europe for that matter.

Which ever way it is sliced and diced, Europe is not strong enough on it's own.

Whitewavemark2

Europe needs to be on Europe’s sides because make no mistake, Trump will never defend Europe.

We can trade and continue diplomatic relations with the USA but we can never rely on them.

I completely agree, especially given their current leader

ronib

I thought the idea was for Trump to make an offer to buy Greenland? Wonder how much money is on the table?
Greenland may have a phenomenal offer- we don’t know. If outright sale doesn’t happen then leasing it might? Or buying the rights to its minerals?
I don’t see this potential business transaction as a cause for war. At least I hope not.

It’s not part of the USA and neither they nor Denmark wish it to be.

Just like Canada, it’s not for sale.