Councillor's UFO comments used to 'lighten the mood' and 'spice up' safety talks

A Reform UK councillor has said he put forward a proposal for a committee to monitor UFO activity above Doncaster Sheffield Airport to "lighten the mood" during a Council meeting this week.

Kieran Lay suggested the oversight body could coordinate with authorities across Yorkshire on aerospace monitoring and "help restore some public confidence" in the airport ahead of its planned reopening.

The councillor later acknowledged his intention was partly to inject some levity into proceedings whilst highlighting legitimate safety concerns.

Mr Lay said: "The meeting was quite long and serious, so I wanted to bring a bit of personality and lighten the mood slightly, but there was also a serious point behind it."

He described his council address as a "sugar bomb" and clarified it was not concerned with extraterrestrial visitors.

Mr Lay explained his aim was "to spice things up, but also bring a bit more attention" to safety matters relating to drones and similar hazards.

Residents in his Thorne and Moorends ward harbour "genuine security concerns" about the airport, according to the councillor.

Mr Lay told the BBC: "The last thing I want is something that interferes with the aircraft coming in for landing or taking off [and] something devastating happening over the top of residential houses."

During his council address on Monday, Mr Lay cited Nasa guidance recommending that local authorities adopt a proactive, evidence-based approach to UAP with a focus on aviation safety.

He asked: "Why would Doncaster not want to lead the way in Yorkshire and the Humber on this issue?"

The councillor subsequently expressed regret for suggesting local UAP data should be examined before committing additional funds to the airport project.

Mr Lay said: "I think my choice of words are kind of really bad sometimes.. I have some learning difficulties, but I try my best."

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Video footage of his speech was shared on social media following the meeting.

Simon Hinchley, the airport's executive director, said that responsibility for safety within the airport environment lies with the operator rather than the council.

He noted drone detection technology is deployed around aerodromes and that unmanned aircraft are prohibited from flying within 5km of active airports without authorisation.

Mr Hinchley said: "Breaches of these restrictions are taken seriously and can result in significant fines and custodial sentences."

The executive director emphasised that "well established procedures" already exist for pilots and operators to report concerns to air traffic control.

Doncaster Sheffield Airport ceased operations in 2022.

The council is now spearheading efforts to restore passenger and cargo services.

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