An Angus SNP MP has warned a cut in Royal Marine posts could raise questions about the future of RM Condor.
Admiral Sir Philip Jones, the First Sea Lord, said the Royal Navy would make the cuts as part of its efforts to “adapt to meet the challenges of a dangerous and uncertain world” as it introduces new ships, submarines and aircraft to the service.
It is not thought any Marines will be made redundant, and instead the Navy will rely on natural wastage for the overhaul.
Mr Weir said: “This is clearly worrying news since any reduction in the numbers of Royal Marines could raise questions about the future of bases, such as Condor.
“It is equally concerning that this announcement comes so soon after the MOD gave an assurance that there was no danger to the future of Condor when they announced the sale of the airfield.
“Clearly 45 are not the only marine unit, nor Condor the only base, but the apparent lack of overall planning is a concern.
“It is completely unacceptable that there should be a series of piecemeal announcements in this manner.
“The MoD say that the reductions will come through ‘natural wastage’ but presumably they have some idea of what that will entail in the foreseeable future and an idea of where what the future structure of the Royal Marines will be.
“They need to give a clear indication of what this is and that it includes 45 Commando remaining at Condor.”
In February, defence secretary Sir Michael Fallon said the future of Condor as a Royal Marine base was “absolutely secure”.
His pledge came against the backdrop of an MoD basing review, which will see the site just outside Arbroath lose its airfield.
The group was kept in Arbroath at the 11th hour during a similar restructuring exercise in 2013.
Admiral Jones said he knew how vital the marines were as “the UK’s premier high readiness contingency force”, but added: “I also know we must adapt to meet the challenges of a dangerous and uncertain world.”
“The Government is investing in a new generation of ships, submarines and aircraft.
“As we introduce these capabilities into service, we must ensure we have the right mix of skills across each of the Navy’s fighting arms to optimise how we use them, and the Commandant General and I have sought to find the right balance between sailors and marines in responding to this challenge.”
He continued: “The Royal Marines remain bound into every part of the Royal Navy’s future, from conducting sophisticated operations from the sea, at a variety of scales and against a range of threats, using our new aircraft carriers as a base, to leading the Service’s development of information warfare.
“They will continue to be as vital to the defence of the realm in the years ahead as they have been for the past 350.”
