Eleven MSPs have joined forces in a potentially influential last-ditch bid to save RAF Leuchars.
The Fife base faces the axe as the UK Government makes swingeing cuts to its defence budget. However, the cross-party group of MSPs insists closure would be a grave mistake.
The politicians issued a powerfully-worded joint statement following a Holyrood meeting with members of the residents action force established to battle for the retention of RAF Leuchars.
Among those signing the statement were North East Fife member Rod Campbell (SNP), Cowdenbeath’s Helen Eadie (Scottish Labour), Bill Walker from Dunfermline (SNP) and Kirkcaldy’s David Torrance (SNP).
Also showing their support were Mid Scotland and Fife list MSPs Claire Baker (Scottish Labour), Annabelle Ewing (SNP), Murdo Fraser (Scottish Conservatives), John Park (Scottish Labour), Willie Rennie (Scottish Liberal Democrats), Richard Simpson (Scottish Labour) and Elizabeth Smith (Scottish Conservatives).
A decision on the future of RAF bases Lossiemouth in Moray and Marham near Norfolk are also under threat has been promised by July 19 at the latest.
The group of MSPs said, “As we are now likely to be no more than six weeks away from a decision on the future of RAF Leuchars we wanted the UK Government to understand that the base is of such importance to Fife, and to Scotland, that the issue transcends party politics.”
The MSPs went on, “For nearly 100 years, RAF Leuchars has been vital to Britain’s defence excellence and expertise.
“It has also been at the heart of our community for generations.
“Leuchars is enormously important to the local economy in the area, sustaining jobs and supporting local businesses.”
Closure would, the politicians contend, be catastrophic.
“RAF Leuchars directly and indirectly employs 1900 people in the local economy,” they continued.
“Businesses, schools and local services rely on the base.
“While a number of commentators have speculated on alternative futures for the base, our shared aim is a simple one, and that is to make the case for RAF Leuchars.”
The MSPs said they were particularly keen to highlight a number of points.
These include:The fact that Scottish Chambers of Commerce have warned of a “devastating impact” should the base close. Many experts have described the strategic defence case for retention of RAF Leuchars as “overwhelming.” The base is in the ideal place to deliver the quick reaction alert (QRA) that is RAF Leuchars’ top priority. QRA requires fighter aircraft to hold high alert 24 hours a day to scramble and intercept unidentified aircraft approaching UK airspace. Since 2005 RAF Leuchars has engaged around 50 foreign aircraft attempting to enter British airspace. Fighter aircraft from RAF Leuchars can be overhead Edinburgh or Glasgow in a matter of minutes. The base can provide a rapid response to air threats to “tier one” targets such as Torness nuclear power station, petro-chemical plants and major cities. And 80% of Scotland’s population is within 80 miles of Leuchars and can be reached in minutes. The key training area for the Typhoon is over the North Sea due east of Leuchars.The cross-party group concluded their statement by saying, “We all owe a debt of gratitude to the personnel from RAF Leuchars, both past and present, who have put their lives at risks in conflicts from world war two to Afghanistan.”
Members of the residents’ action force clearly hope such strong cross-party backing north of the border will help them to send the strongest possible message to Westminster.
The critical role played by RAF Leuchars in defending the northern half of Britain from potential terrorist attacks was reinforced by the campaigners during their trip to the Scottish Parliament.
With a decision on the future of the Fife base imminent, campaigners insist it is a “crucial” time.
Thursday’s meeting was organised by the new North East Fife MSP Rod Campbell.