US U-Turn over Cambridgeshire base

US defence chiefs have decided against relocating its intelligence operation away from RAF Molesworth in Cambridgeshire, an MP has revealed.

According to Shailesh Vara, the Conservative MP for North West Cambridgeshire, the Americans have formally notified the Ministry of Defence of their proposal to retain the Joint Intelligence Analysis Centre at the base.

The decision will be accompanied by new facilities at the base and the MOD will be working closely with Cambridgeshire County Council.

He added that the proposal, which is expected to pass through Congress shortly, "is a testament to the continued relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom and will build upon our existing defence collaboration."

Mr Vara said: