The SNP has demanded an end to the continued uncertainty over the future of military bases in Scotland. In an exchange with the Armed Forces Minister, SNP Westminster leader and Defence spokesperson Angus Robertson MP hit out at the economic impact the continued delay in a decision by the Ministry of Defence was causing defence dependent communities.

Speaking after the exchange Mr Robertson said:

“ The prolonged delay in a decision over the future of bases is putting intolerable strain on our defence dependent communities. There is absolutely no justification for these delays and the very least that service communities should expect is a definitive date for a decision.

“ On the day that the Defence Secretary makes claims about a new military covenant with the armed forces it is despicable that whole communities are still being treated in such a shabby manner by the MoD.

“ Massive uncertainty has been created and this is leading to tangible negative effects in the private sector for the communities in Moray and Fife. The obvious fear is that this will lead to significant civilian job losses even before decisions are made about military redundancies.

“The Tory and LibDem Ministers who have created this uncertainty must urgently announce both their decision and concrete support measures.

Having had months to understand and anticipate the consequences of their decisions there is no excuse for prevarication and inaction.

“ We need an early basing decision by the UK government and immediate economic support package.”

Transcript of the exchange:

Angus Robertson MP: At the time of the SDSR the Secretary of State told me that the basing review affecting RAF Lossiemouth would be concluded before the end of December 2010. That was then put back to the end of February 2011, and we are still waiting. The delays are causing uncertainty and economic damage in Moray, and likewise in Fife and Norfolk and elsewhere. Does the Minister not agree that the least that service communities should expect is a definitive date for a decision, and no more delays.

The Minister of State, Nick Harvey (LibDem):  Mr Speaker, as I said a moment ago, this is a complex piece of work. We have the army coming home from Germany and that only happens once. And the future lay down of the army and the basing of the British army in the future is something that we simply have to get right. And it is absolutely necessary to take the time to get those decisions right and I do understand the impact that waiting for a decision has on local communities, but it is more important that we get this right than we do it fast, and as I said a moment ago we will make an announcement on this by the summer recess.