Fife MSPs from across the political spectrum joined in a last-ditch effort to save axe-threatened RAF Leuchars.
The region’s 12 constituency and regional MSPs put aside their political differences to issue a joint statement urging the UK Government not to close the economically vital air base.
The urgent call, organised by new Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie and involving representatives of all four major parties, was made in the face of an imminent decision on the issue by Westminster.
The Conservative and Lib Dem involvement in the statement will be seen as particularly significant, as it is the UK coalition government that will make the final decision on where the axe falls.
The announcement on which base will close had been expected earlier this year but was delayed due to the Holyrood elections. With that ballot out of the way, a decision has been promised before the summer recess at Westminster on July 19.
“As the decision approaches on the future of RAF Leuchars we wanted the UK Government to understand that the base is so important that all of us have combined together to speak out within days of the Scottish parliamentary elections,” said the statement.
“Scotland has a long and proud military history and our RAF bases have been a vital part of our communities for generations.
“For nearly 100 years, RAF Leuchars has been at the heart of Britain’s defence excellence and expertise. Leuchars is enormously important to the local economy in the area, sustaining jobs and supporting local businesses.”
The MSPs said the base employs nearly 1800 people and is vital in keeping businesses and schools open.
They also stressed the “overwhelming” strategic case for keeping Leuchars open, including the base’s ideal geographic location to intercept unidentified aircraft in the event of terrorist or other concerning activity.
The statement adds, “It is in the right place to deliver the quick reaction alert that is RAF Leuchars’ top priority and requires fighter aircraft to hold high alert 24/7 to scramble and intercept unidentified aircraft approaching UK airspace.Fighter response”Since 2005, RAF Leuchars has engaged around 50 times with foreign aircraft attempting to enter our airspace. If ultimately necessary, fighter aircraft from RAF Leuchars can be overhead Edinburgh or Glasgow in a matter of minutes.
“It can provide a rapid response to air threats to tier one targets such as Torness nuclear power station, petrochemical plants and major cities.”
The statement also pointed out that 80% of Scotland’s population is within 80 miles of Leuchars and can be reached within minutes by plane.
“The reasons that led to RAF Leuchars being chosen as the right location for the new Typhoon fighter remain the same reasons why it is the right location today,” it read.
“Quite simply, it is in the right place at the right time doing the right job. We all owe a debt of gratitude to the personnel from RAF Leuchars, both past and present, who have put their lives at risks in conflicts from world war two to Afghanistan.
“RAF Leuchars is more than an air base: it is the heart of the community.”The constituency MSPs to sign the statement are North East Fife’s Rod Campbell (SNP), Cowdenbeath’s Helen Eadie (Lab), Dunfermline’s Bill Walker, Kirkcaldy’s David Torrance and Mid Fife and Glenrothes’ Tricia Marwick (all SNP). The Mid Scotland and Fife list MSPs are Claire Baker (Lab), Annabel Ewing (SNP), Murdo Fraser (Con), John Park (Lab), Willie Rennie (Lib Dem), Richard Simpson (Lab), and Elizabeth Smith (Con).