By Tim Binnall
An airport funding debate in England took an otherworldly turn when a city councillor called for a UFO committee to examine unusual aerial activity in the area. The odd moment reportedly occurred during a meeting of the City of Doncaster Council on Monday, in which community representatives debated the cost of a project to reopen a shuttered airport. When given the chance to speak at the gathering, Councillor Kieran Lay surprised those in attendance when he raised the issue of UFOs, musing, "what I've got to say has not been mentioned by any member in this chamber, and it's been a topic that seems no one wants to cover."
Citing specific instances of "activity recorded directly over and in the immediate vicinity" of the airport at the center of the funding debate, he proposed that the city create a "temporary Doncaster UAP overview and safety committee or panel." The group, Lay suggested, would work with relevant local authorities to " produce a public report in six months" concerning the implications of UFOs in the area, using an "evidence-based approach consistent with NASA's guidance and UAP safety and transparency." The councillor finished his remarks by asking, "if we are serious about delivering a safe, successful airport for the people of Doncaster, shouldn't we at least examine all verified data, including the UAP activity recorded right here, before committing any further public money?"
While UFO enthusiasts will undoubtedly point to Lay's remarks as a testament to how the phenomenon is now being taken more seriously, what followed is an unfortunate indication that there's still some work to be done. After drawing chuckles and uneasy expressions from those in attendance, the fantastic nature of the councillor's proposal sparked national headlines in England, and the 24-year-old man found himself in a blistering spotlight he likely did not expect, which caused him to 'clarify' his curious comments with a rather dispiriting and conciliatory explanation.
"The meeting was quite long and serious," Lay reportedly told the BBC, "so I wanted to bring a bit of personality and lighten the mood slightly." He subsequently explained that he proposed the proverbial UAP task force "to spice things up, but also bring a bit more attention" to the issue of drone incursions rather than alien visitors. "The last thing I want is something that interferes with the aircraft," Lay insisted as he ultimately apologized for causing concerns with his remarks. "I think my choice of words are kind of really bad sometimes," the councillor conceded, "I have some learning difficulties, but I try my best." With that, one imagines that the Doncaster UAP committee is unlikely to get off the ground.