The UK Government has been ordered to provide a “definitive date” for an announcement concerning the future of closure-threatened RAF bases including Leuchars in Fife.
Angus Robertson, the SNP’s defence spokesman, warned that both residents and businesses close to Scottish bases are suffering “intolerable” stress due to prolonged uncertainty over their future.
The axe is hanging over RAF Leuchars as the Westminster Government aims to slash £38 billion from its defence budget.
An announcement on which base will close RAF Lossiemouth in Moray and Marham in Norfolk are also threatened had been expected this year but was ruled out due to the Scottish Parliamentary elections.
According to Mr Robertson, the need for any further delay is totally unjustified with that ballot out of the way.
The MP warned that the economic impact of the uncertainty is “tangible.”
“The prolonged delay in a decision over the future of bases is putting intolerable strain on our defence-dependent communities,” Mr Robertson said.
“There is absolutely no justification for these delays and the very least that service communities should expect is a definitive date for a decision.”
Mr Robertson said the delay was somewhat ironic given the government’s decision to outline a new military covenant enshrining the rights of servicemen and women.
“On the day that the defence secretary makes claims about a new military covenant with the armed forces it is despicable that whole communities are still being treated in such a shabby manner by the MoD,” he said.Wave of uncertainty”Massive uncertainty has been created and this is leading to tangible negative effects in the private sector for the communities in Moray and Fife.
“The obvious fear is that this will lead to significant civilian job losses even before decisions are made about military redundancies.”
An economic impact assessment previously drawn up by Fife Council warned that closure of the base at Leuchars would cost the region £60 million and up to 2000 jobs.
“The Tory and Lib Dem ministers who have created this uncertainty must urgently announce both their decision and concrete support measures,” Mr Robertson said.
“Having had months to understand and anticipate the consequences of their decisions there is no excuse for prevarication and inaction.”
In response to Mr Robertson’s calls, armed forces minister Nick Harvey said, “This (the ongoing defence review) is a complex piece of work.
“It is absolutely necessary to take the time to get it right. I do understand the impact that waiting for a decision has on local communities, but it is more important that we get this right than we do it fast.”