Scottish Conservatives bring RAF Leuchars debate to Parliament

Scottish Conservatives will be using Members' Business in the Scottish Parliament to hold an emergency debate about the future of RAF Leuchars tomorrow (Wednesday 15th December 2010).

Ted Brocklebank, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife, who is opening and leading the debate, said:

"The case for Scotland's RAF bases is overwhelming. Since the end of the Second World War RAF Leuchars has been regarded as one of the UK's two main fighter strike bases. It has a pivotal strategic position on the east coast and is adjacent to a huge number of population centres. Crucially, £40m has been spent upgrading runways at Leuchars specifically for the Typhoon operation.

"It is only right that with a £38bn gap in defence spending inherited from the last Labour Government, all contingencies are reviewed. That means a thorough assessment of all military programmes and bases. There will inevitably be much speculation as this review is carried out, but I believe the case for RAF Leuchars is unanswerable."

Miles Briggs, Scottish Conservative MSP candidate for North East Fife said:

"Any moves to close RAF Leuchars would be an act of total folly and I hope the MoD will listen to the overwhelming case to keep RAF Leuchars.

"It is vital that decisions are taken strategically and in the national interest."

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