With a decision on the future of RAF Leuchars less than two months away, members of the public have been told there is “still all to play for.”
D-day may be looming but North East Fife MP Sir Menzies Campbell remains convinced the battle to retain the Fife base can be won.
He issued a rallying cry, urging supporters to write to defence secretary Liam Fox “directly” to let him know just how devastating closure would be.
Meanwhile, Sir Menzies said members of the residents’ action force set up in a bid to save the base would “redouble” their efforts.
The impact closure of RAF Leuchars would have on the Fife economy has been well documented, with the local authority warning it could cost the region a staggering £60 million.
Meanwhile, around 2000 jobs could be lost.
An economic impact assessment previously sent to Dr Fox also warned closure would represent a crippling blow to the housing market.
Local schools would struggle to survive and countless community clubs would face the axe.
With a matter of weeks left until the UK Government announces its final decisionLeuchars and RAF Lossiemouth in Moray are thought to be under threatSir Menzies is calling for a last-minute campaigning surge.
“There is still all to play for in the campaign to save RAF Leuchars from closure,” he insisted.
“The task force will redouble its efforts in the coming weeks.”
Sir Menzies insists the sheer weight of objections could still play a crucial part in the government’s final decision.
“Any member of the public who has not yet expressed support for the base should take the opportunity to write to the defence secretary as soon as possible,” the veteran MP added.
Sir Menzies spoke out just days after Dr Fox visited Leuchars and Lossiemouth.
The defence secretary also held what were later described as “constructive” talks with First Minister Alex Salmond.
Many defence experts say the strategic reasons to retain RAF Leuchars are compelling.
The base is home to the Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) Typhoon Eurofighter aircraft.
Their role is to protect the airspace of the northern half of Britain which includes sensitive installations such as the Torness nuclear power station, Faslane nuclear submarine base and the Grangemouth oil refinery.
The Fife base is also within 80 miles of 80% of the Scottish population.
A decision on the future of the base has been promised prior to July 19.