Moray’s MSP, Richard Lochhead, and MP, Angus Robertson, have welcomed the the Scottish Government’s comprehensive submission to the UK Government’s basing review.

The submission is the latest move by the Scottish Government and follows high profile meetings between Scottish Ministers and the UK Government where concerns over the impact of defence cuts have been raised directly with those making the final decision.

In relation to the Moray bases the Scottish Government has been working closely with the Moray Task Force to ensure the best possible case is being made both on defence and economic grounds.

Scotland First Minister Alex Salmond said:

" The economic and defence case for retaining Scotland's current military bases is considerable, comprehensive and overwhelming, as this submission clearly shows. Reducing the strength of the defence footprint in Scotland or withdrawing military personnel could have an irreversible impact on generations of proud military tradition.

" The UK Government has a final chance to listen and we have put our case in the strongest possible terms. Our ambition is clear. The choices made today must take into consideration the Scotland of the future and the economic, environmental and social impact on our communities now and in the future. The UK Government needs to take strategic, long term decisions which safeguard the future of our defence capability.

" They owe it to our communities, our military personnel and their families, to provide clarity and reverse the disproportionate level of cuts and closures we have faced in Scotland. We stand united in the fight for the future of our forces. These are our armed services and they form a vital part of our communities in Scotland. We will must make sure that they continue to do so for generations to come."

Commenting on the submission Richard Lochhead MSP said:

“ The Scottish Government is working extremely hard, alongside the communities affected by the Defence Review and the subsequent Basing Review, to make the strongest possible case that no more defence cuts should happen.

“ With around a month to go before a likely announcement by the UK Government the Scottish Government, Local Government, public agencies and the broad-based and very strong community campaign are making the case right up to the last minute.

“ The UK Government will certainly have no doubt of the strength of feeling and it now remains for them to make a good decision that will protect our defence assets and our local economy.”

Angus Robertson MP said:

“ There has been solid campaigning on every front to protect our bases and to get proper financial support following the Kinloss decision.

“ The unity being shown on this campaign has been phenomenal from the huge demonstration in Lossiemouth to the detailed collation of key statistics to make the technical case.

“ The Prime Minister and his Cabinet must now take heed, leave our bases alone and lift the veil of uncertainty that hangs over the service families and the surrounding communities.”

The full Scottish Government submission can be found at:

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2011/06/16105711#a1

The paper:

1. reinforces the vital economic and social case for retaining both RAF Leuchars and RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland following the closure of RAF Kinloss, stating that to lose more than one of Scotland's three flying bases would be a disproportionate, unreasonable and devastating blow for our communities
2. outlines that the period of uncertainty is having an increasingly negative effect on the local economies of Moray and Fife due to reduced business optimism, impacts on investment and a downturn in the local housing markets
3. calls for a reversal of the considerable decline of army personnel in Scotland by troops returning from Germany to be based here
4. highlights the considerable role 45 Commando based at RM Condor has played in the community in Arbroath for four decades and the socio-economic impact of relocation
5. reinforces Scotland's prime position to support defence procurement due to its world class defence and technologies industry
6. outlines the need for clarity, proper planning, investment and collaboration with the Scottish Government following the final Basing Review decision