Trump criticises release decision
US President Donald Trump publicly questioned the decision to release the suspects on bail. "I'll tell you, I would say, 'Don't give him bail.' I'm surprised they released them. I wouldn't have done that," Trump said in an interview at the White House.
Burnham responded to the criticism, arguing the decision was controlled. "I think people need to understand that when we say released, it's not as people might think. It goes without saying that with the strictest bail conditions. The authorities are holding this under the tightest grip and the closest watch, and I can assure you of that," the British prime minister stressed.
Burnham added that his government spoke with its American counterparts throughout the week to explain what was happening and how matters were being handled, and expressed full confidence in British security services.
Police said a search of the vehicles found near the base turned up a quantity of petrol, but no explosive devices were found. Four of the suspects live in Westminster and one in Camden, and searches of their homes have been completed. Police described the bail release as an "investigative decision" based on experience and strategy.
RAF Fairford has served the US Air Force as a forward operating location for decades. In recent months, American bombers have taken off from the base for the Middle East, after Britain approved a US request to use it for what were described as defensive strikes against Iran. Last July, Iran said that "any base used for attacks against Iranian territory constitutes a legitimate target for our forces."
According to expert assessments, the release of the suspects was intended to lead to their handlers, in the hope that they would attempt to contact the suspects.
