Conservative MP Claims Solar Farm Glare Could Cause Red Arrows Crash

Conservative MP Dr Caroline Johnson has raised concerns that new solar farms in her Lincolnshire constituency could pose risks to RAF pilots, particularly those flying from local bases such as RAF Waddington, RAF Cranwell, and RAF Digby. She argued in a House of Commons debate that glare from the reflective solar panels might dazzle pilots, potentially leading to accidents involving the Red Arrows display team and trainees. Johnson also highlighted worries about the impact on the Joint Cyber and Electromagnetic Activities Group based at RAF Digby. However, these claims were disputed by a senior RAF source who stated that solar panels do not affect pilots and that solar farms absorb rather than reflect light, making the risk of glare negligible. MPs from other parties noted that pilots in countries with more extensive solar installations, like Spain, do not face such issues. The Ministry of Defence and RAF have yet to issue formal comments on the matter.