Pressing the Defence Secretary following an announcement in the Commons that 45 Commando were to be transferred from RM Condor Angus MP Mike Weir has received assurances that changes will not take effect until 2015/16 at the earliest.

Commenting Mr Weir said:

“Whilst the news that 45 Commando are to move is disappointing it is not unexpected. Whilst there was a complete lack of detail on timescale in the statement, I pressed the Secretary of State who has now confirmed that no changes will be considered prior to 2015/16 at the earliest. Meantime, 45 Commando will remain at Condor.

“Condor remains an important part of the local economy and it is vital that it’s future is not left in any doubt. Between now and the next Strategic Review I will be strongly pressing the MOD for some clarity and an assurance that the base will be used for some of the units returning from Germany, as had previously been expected.

“The removal of 45 Commando from Condor will also mean that there are now very few units based in Scotland with amphibious capability, which is vital for the protection of our major North Sea oil and gas industry.  These moves could leave them potentially very vulnerable.

“Clearly any changes at Condor are at least five years away and the political landscape could look very different at that time.”

Mr Weir also paid tribute to 45 Commando and their links with the local community. Mr Weir added:

“Over the last forty years the men of 45 Commando have developed a very strong bond with the local community. We will all be sad to see them leave.”

Pressing the Defence Secretary following an announcement in the Commons that 45 Commando were to be transferred from RM Condor Angus MP Mike Weir has received assurances that changes will not take effect until 2015/16 at the earliest.

Commenting Mr Weir said:

“Whilst the news that 45 Commando are to move is disappointing it is not unexpected. Whilst there was a complete lack of detail on timescale in the statement, I pressed the Secretary of State who has now confirmed that no changes will be considered prior to 2015/16 at the earliest. Meantime, 45 Commando will remain at Condor.

“Condor remains an important part of the local economy and it is vital that it’s future is not left in any doubt. Between now and the next Strategic Review I will be strongly pressing the MOD for some clarity and an assurance that the base will be used for some of the units returning from Germany, as had previously been expected.

“The removal of 45 Commando from Condor will also mean that there are now very few units based in Scotland with amphibious capability, which is vital for the protection of our major North Sea oil and gas industry.  These moves could leave them potentially very vulnerable.

“Clearly any changes at Condor are at least five years away and the political landscape could look very different at that time.”

Mr Weir also paid tribute to 45 Commando and their links with the local community. Mr Weir added:

“Over the last forty years the men of 45 Commando have developed a very strong bond with the local community. We will all be sad to see them leave.”