UK Space Command chief suspended over 'sex assault' allegations

UK Space Command chief suspended over 'sex assault' allegations British military police investigation into allegations of 'serious sexual offence' and 'theft' leads to arrest and suspension of chief of the UK's multi-billion pound Space Command programme The commander of Britain's multi-billion military ' Space Force ' operation has been arrested and suspended amid an investigation into an alleged serious sexual offence. Air Vice-Marshal Jamie Thompson took charge of the UK Space Command earlier this year after previously serving as its deputy commander until several weeks ago. Britain’s new Space Force is part of the UK’s long-term £7.8 billion strategy to protect the UK’s interests in space, including protecting satellites and communications. He was investigated by the Defence Serious Crime Command, responsible for serious and complex cases within the UK military. An RAF spokesperson said: "Air Vice-Marshal James Thompson was suspended without prejudice as part of an investigation. "Air Commodore Darren Whiteley is the interim Commander of UK Space Command." A Defence Serious Crime Command (DSCC) spokesperson said: "We can confirm that a member of the RAF was arrested in connection to reports of theft and a serious sexual offence involving an adult. "The theft investigation has concluded and has been referred to the Service Prosecuting Authority for a charging decision. "The investigation into the alleged serious sexual offence remains ongoing, and therefore it'd be inappropriate to comment further." As head of Space Command, Air Vice-Marshal Thompson is responsible for running Britain's military operations in space, including monitoring threats and protecting satellites. Headquartered in Buckinghamshire, the organisation brings together personnel and capabilities from the RAF, Army and Royal Navy. Air Vice-Marshal Thompson took over the role from Major General Paul Tedman, who announced his retirement in June. He said at the time: "I am delighted to be joining such a vibrant and exciting command at a time of unparalleled operational activity and capability growth. "It is great to be back with friends and colleagues I have worked with for over two decades." He joined the RAF in 1997 as a weapons technician.” Britain’s new Space Squadrons involve members of specialist personnel from across the Armed Forces and are aimed at countering hostile attacks in orbit. Number 1 Space Operations Squadron and Number II Space Warning Squadron are aimed at warning against threats from the UK’s enemies. Number III Space Effects Squadron will bring together specialist personnel from across the Armed Forces to battle hostile activity in orbit and defend the UK’s satellites. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting will give a major speech today on the Space Force in which he is expected to say: “Britain has to keep pace in the new space race. Control of the waves was the essential ingredient in 19th century deterrence. “That is why Britain built the finest naval power in history. In the 20th century it was control of the skies, and so we built a world class air force to protect us. “This century will depend on control of space. “Our dependency on space is precisely why it is increasingly under threat from our adversaries. That threat is growing in scale, speed, and sophistication. “And challenges in space increasingly mirror the geopolitics on Earth.” Chief of the Air Staff is Air Chief Marshal Sir Harvey Smyth said: “Space no longer supports operations from the sidelines. It’s a domain of direct competition, where our military advantage can be won or lost.”