Latest Press Releases
| ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT URGED OVER KINLOSS REDUCTION |
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| Monday, 14 November 2011 00:00 |
 SNP Westminster leader and Moray MP Angus Robertson has expressed concern over the failure of the Ministry of Defence to undertake any economic assessment of its decision to dramatically reduce the number of military personnel at Kinloss.Speaking at Defence Questions in the House of Commons Mr Robertson welcomed the transfer of 930 Army engineering posts to Kinloss, but pointed out that the decision represented a dramatic reduction of 41 per cent from the RAF unit establishment total of 1567. Speaking after the exchange, Mr Robertson said: “While it is welcome news that there is to be an Army personnel transfer to Kinloss, the numbers are significantly down on RAF manning levels which will clearly have an impact on the local economy and community. “The UK Government must take responsibility for its decisions, and it is extraordinary that no economic assessment appears to have been made by Ministers. “The Moray economy is the most defence dependent in the country and has suffered terribly through the closure announcement of Kinloss as an RAF base by the UK government and the delay in confirming plans for Army use. “While welcoming the troops who will move to Moray, it is a regrettable that the manning totals are so significantly reduced.” |
