Radioactivity concerns at RAF Kinloss prompt Westminster talks

THE SNP’s leader at Westminster whose constituency includes RAF Kinloss has held talks with the Defence Secretary amid concerns over potential radioactive contamination at the base.

Moray MP Angus Robertson discussed the issue of environmental safety in and around the Kinloss military base with Defence Secretary Phillip Hammond yesterday.

It has been reported that land outside the base in Moray could be contaminated by aircraft that were coated in radium and buried at the site.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) will investigate the area once the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has conducted an initial report.

Mr Robertson, who is also the SNP’s defence spokesman, said: “In our discussions the Defence Secretary was keen to stress the regular testing undertaken in the area.

“Mr Hammond and I both agreed that public confidence in environmental safety is crucial and I stressed the advantages of early completion of an intrusion survey which would finalise the latest round of tests as part of a land quality assessment.

“The Defence Secretary urged me to table follow-up parliamentary questions in areas where there may be outstanding queries, and I will be asking the MOD for a detailed overview on environmental safety for constituents who have raised concerns.”