ROBERTSON SECURES PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE ON ‘UK MILITARY BASE REVIEW’

SNP Westminster Leader and Defence spokesman Angus Robertson MP, has highlighted the shameful lack of UK financial support as reports suggest RAF Kinloss will cease to operate as an airbase on July 31^st 2011.

The Moray MP contrasted the absence of UK assistance with the comprehensive and effective financial support packages offered to communities affected by base closures in the United States.

Last year, Mr Robertson visited Washington DC and met with the US Department of Defense’s Department of Economic Adjustment which puts in place extensive support packages to communities impacted by closure decisions.

House of Commons authorities have just confirmed that Mr Robertson has secured a parliamentary debate on the “UK Military Basing Review” on 1^st March 2011.

Commenting, Mr Robertson said:

“ The closure of RAF Kinloss will be a very sad day for the servicemen and women, the civilian staff and the local community. To make matters worse, the UK Government which took the closure decision has offered nothing in the way of concrete support. People in Moray need immediate financial support to be put in place immediately. The shut and run approach by the UK Government is shameful.

“ In stark contrast the American example sees the Department of Defense working with local people in the run up to base closures to secure the long term prosperity of affected areas. Their Office of Economic Adjustment provides comprehensive support for the local economy in a transparent and effective way.

“ Speculation about the future use of the RAF Kinloss combined with the uncertainty over the future of RAF Lossiemouth is having a devastating effect on Moray. The UK Government needs a totally new approach to military base closures."

“These are issues I will be raising during the parliamentary debate I have secured on the “UK Military Base Review” which will take place at Westminster on Tuesday 1^st March 2011.”