Senior UK ministers have declared themselves “impressed” with the campaign to save RAF Leuchars.
A letter by armed forces minister Nick Harvey states the concerns “are not lost on the government,” as local politicians have said the “pendulum is swinging” in favour of the Fife base
Mr Harvey also refers to a petition recently handed to Downing Street by Fife campaigners. In the letter, sent to North East Fife MP Sir Menzies Campbell, the minister states, “The Prime Minister has passed me your petition to the government, not to close RAF Leuchars. It is an impressive document.”
Mr Harvey said he has also studied an economic impact assessment by Fife Council. The dossier suggested that the local economy would take a £60m hit if RAF Leuchars was closed.
Around 2000 jobs could be lost, schools closed and the housing market crippled.
Mr Harvey said the government “recognised” the close ties between the base and the community.
He said, “The strength of feeling is evident and reinforces the submission I received from Fife Council and conversations we had with the Residents Action Force in March.
“I recognise the close ties that the local community have with the Royal Air Force, and I know their support continues to be appreciated by the service community in Fife.”
Mr Harvey stressed that the government will not rush to make a decision, but adds that he appreciates decisions will have a “broader impact” on communities.
He said, “I am determined that decisions should be taken as soon as possible but it is vital that the government reaches the right decisions and they are underpinned by robust analysis.
“For defence ministers, analysis will of course focus on what makes the best sense for the defence and security of the United Kingdom we have to do what is right for our armed forces and the security of the UK.
“At the same time we are aware that the decisions we take will have a broader impact on local economies and communities.”Post-election decisionMr Harvey adds that final decisions have not been made. He wrote, “I do understand that the absence of an announcement means uncertainty for the local community and economy, but an announcement will be made as soon as possible after the May 5 elections.
“We are listening to and working with the community in Leuchars… your concerns are not lost on the government.”
Needless to say, Mr Harvey’s comments are sure to bring comfort to campaigners.
North East Fife Lib Dem candidate Iain Smith has been among those pledging to fight for the base and is cheered by what he has heard from Westminster.
He said, “I believe the pendulum is swinging in our direction. The case for retention of RAF Leuchars is overwhelming…but we must not take our eye off the ball.”
Sir Menzies has said the campaign will go “down to the wire.” He spoke after discussions between defence secretary Liam Fox and Scottish secretary Michael Moore.
]He said, “Between now and the announcement about the future of RAF bases in Scotland I shall continue to press the case for the retention of Leuchars.
“The strategic argument in favour of Leuchars as the proper base from which to provide air defence for the northern half of Britain is as strong now as it has ever been. We shall go on campaigning down to the wire.”