UFO enthusiasts in the UK have admitted that aliens may not exist after all, citing the declining number of 'flying saucer' sightings and lack of "compelling evidence" to prove the existence of extraterrestrial life. Read more
Government officials believe aliens may visit Earth and suggest harnessing UFO technology for UK defences
Documents from the Ministry of Defence classified archives show staff believed aliens could visit for "military reconnaissance", "scientific" research or "tourism". In a 1995 briefing now published by the National Archives, a desk officer said the purpose of reported alien craft sightings "needs to be established as a matter of priority", adding there did not appear to be "hostile intent". Read more
Files released in March 2011 The files contain a wide range of UFO-related documents, drawings, letters and parliamentary questions covering the years 2000-2005. Find out more about the House of Lords debate on UFOs, a flying saucer hoax that was treated as a potentially real alien invasion of the UK and how 1978 nearly became 'the year of the UFO'. Read more