Shock delay on RAF bases decision unacceptable says Moray community

30 January 2011

Community and business representatives from Moray Task Force are refusing to accept a shock admission from Armed Forces Minister Nick Harvey that a decision on the future of Scottish RAF bases is unlikely before the Scottish May elections.

Meeting in Forres the extended Task Force, which includes community campaigners, and representatives from the public, private and community sectors, described the delay as 'utterly unacceptable' and called for a re-think by the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Lesley Ann Parker of Moray Chamber of Commerce, said: "Every day without a decision impacts on local people's lives and jobs. There is no other area in the UK where the effects of the MoD's action, or lack of it, will be felt more. The RAF has been part of our communities for over seven decades and almost one in five jobs in the area is linked to the bases.

"We believe there is a wide acceptance of the strategic defence, geographical, social and economic advantages for keeping the RAF in Moray.

"By announcing its plans in October last year the Government created a time of uncertainty for our RAF personnel, civilian staff, and wider communities and since then we have pressed for an early decision. We had been told we would know by the Spring. We will be again contacting the Ministry of Defence to ensure they understand the effects of this delay. It is utterly unacceptable that even now we are being left without any guarantees as to when this will be resolved."

The Task Force agreed that it would 'dig deep' and hardened its resolve to continue fighting for the retention of the RAF in Moray, and that it would not waiver in supporting the Kinloss community in the face of the decision to cancel the Nimrod contract.