Scottish Labour have today warned of the ‘devastating’ impact the closure an RAF base would have in Scotland and urged the Secretary of State for Scotland to ‘show the courage to stand up for Scotland’ and called on the Defence Secretary  protect Scotland’s RAF bases.  
 
Plans currently being considered as part of Ministry of Defence’s Strategic Defence and Security Review, could mean bases at Lossiemouth and Kinloss in Moray and Leuchars in Fife all facing closure. The new Typhoon base at Leuchars could also be scrapped. 
 
It is understood from reports in Jane’s Defence Weekly the Ministry of Defence has been instructed to prepare for budget cuts of between 10 and 20 per cent which could involve the closure of bases. 
 
So far the Ministry of Defence has said ‘tough decisions will need to be made’ and the Defence Secretary Liam Fox has failed to rule out base closures.  
 
David Hamilton MP for Midlothian and Member of the Defence Select Committee said:

”Scotland has a long and illustrious history in playing its part in the defence of the UK.

“The loss of a single RAF base in Scotland would be devastating.

”The loss of two or three bases doesn’t bear thinking about.
 
“Cuts and base closures on the scale expected by the Con-Dem coalition would pose a massive threat to Scottish jobs.

”The Strategic Defence and Security Review will be a real test for the Con-Dem coalition.

“So far the base closures have not been ruled out.

”I urge Michael Moore to have the courage to the stand up for Scotland and protect our RAF bases. “

Rhoda Grant MSP for the Highlands and Islands said:

”The loss of the RAF bases at Lossiemouth and Kinloss would be nothing short of tragic.

”Those employed at the bases and in all the supporting industries will understandably be nervous at the prospect of looming Con-Dem cuts.

”I fear the loss of the bases could have a real impact on search and rescue capabilities that do so much to support our emergency services across the Highlands and Islands.

”I urge Con-Dem coalition to have the courage to stand up for Scotland and protect our RAF bases. “

Claire Baker MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife said:

“The RAF base at Leuchars has historically played a key role in the defence of the UK and employs a significant number of people locally. 

"Any move to close Leuchars would be disastrous for jobs and the many related industries that supply the base.

”I urge the Con-Dem coalition to have the courage to stand up for Scotland and save the base at Leuchars."

19 July 2010