MP attacks 'senseless' cuts to RAF bases

THE SNP has accused the UK government of preparing to make "massive and disproportionate" cuts to the RAF in Scotland, claiming that defence communities have been "treated appallingly"?.

A defence review has already spelled the end for RAF Kinloss, on the Moray Firth, with the cancellation of the Nimrod contract, while the fates of Lossiemouth and Leuchars remain uncertain.

An announcement on the future of Scotland's air bases is expected from Defence Secretary Liam Fox within days.

Westminster SNP leader Angus Robertson said last night: "Our defence communities are braced for bad news. They have been treated appallingly by the UK government throughout this process

"There is no strategic or defence reason why the Ministry of Defence should consider massive and disproportionate cuts to the RAF in Scotland while concentrating basing, spending and manpower in the south of England.

"Given Scotland's geographic location and the increasing importance of the high north, it makes no sense for Whitehall to make swingeing cuts to capability, personnel and bases.

"How can a cut of up to 74 per cent in Scotland be justified?"

Robertson added: "All our independent Nordic neighbours have similar strategic priorities and they maintain more airbases and aircraft. None of them is considering such a damaging course of action.

"Despite being a maritime nation, we now have no maritime patrol capability at all, and the specialist base for this vital function at RAF Kinloss is being closed."

Nationalist Moray MSP Richard Lochhead said the defence and strategic case for retaining RAF Lossiemouth is compelling. He said: "Moray is uniquely facing a double RAF base closure, which would be an economic disaster.

"The further reduction of air force personnel in Moray would have a devastating effect on the economy and society of Moray and the north of Scotland."