RAF base decisions could be delayed until summer

Leuchars is one of several bases in Scotland threatened by defence cuts

Armed Forces Minister Nick Harvey has said major decisions on the future of Britain's military bases may not be made until the summer.

Mr Harvey told MPs they could have to wait several more months before decisions were made on which bases would close and which would house troops returning from Germany.

He said he anticipated announcements being made before the summer recess.

RAF Lossiemouth and Leuchars are under threat due to defence cuts.

The closure of RAF Kinloss as an air base has already been announced.

Mr Harvey was speaking in a debate in Westminster Hall on the future of RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire.

He told MPs: "We can anticipate that decisions will be made and announcements will be made before the summer recess."

It is understood any announcement will be delayed until after the Scottish parliamentary elections on 5 May.

The SNP's defence spokesman Angus Robertson said there would be shock and astonishment in communities around RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Leuchars over a possible announcement delay, as people were facing a prolonged period of economic uncertainty.

'No strategic case'

On Tuesday, senior Liberal Democrat MP Sir Menzies Campbell told the House of Commons there was "no strategic case" for the closure of RAF Leuchars in Fife.

In a late-night debate, the North East Fife MP argued Leuchars was "uniquely positioned" to look after northern Britain's air defences.

The debate follows fears that the UK government's strategic defence and security review (SDSR) could spell the closure of RAF Leuchars, allowing RAF Lossiemouth in Moray to stay open.

During the debate, Sir Ming said there was an overriding case for the base to remain operational.

He told MPs: "In short, Leuchars is in the right place, at the right time and doing the right job.

"Geographically it is uniquely positioned to fulfil the responsibility for the air defence of the northern half of the United Kingdom, a responsibility which - even as we have this debate - it fulfils 24 hours a day."

Labour MP Thomas Docherty asked the MoD to clarify the timetable for its decision on cutting RAF bases, including those in Scotland.

The Dunfermline and West Fife MP also said there needed to be clarity over the decision-making process.

He said: "The chief secretary to the Treasury has suggested that the decisions may be made on socio-economic bases. The prime minister and the chancellor have said it will be a financial decision, whereas the minister and the secretary of state have said it will be a defence-driven decision.

"I hope perhaps tonight the minister, when he responds, will be able to give some clarity as to the weighting that will be provided to each of those categories."

'Coherent plan'

Mr Harvey said decisions on the future of RAF bases would be taken as soon as possible.

He told MPs Leuchars carried out a crucial role, but pointed out that could be done from other RAF bases, including Lossiemouth in the north east.

He added: "It is absolutely essential to stress once again to this House that a decision on which of these bases will no longer be required by the RAF should not be taken to mean that they will no longer be required for defence purposes.

"We are now taking forward work to analyse the basing and estate consequences of the SDSR in their entirety and to develop a coherent plan for the future of the whole defence estate."

About 1,200 people are employed at RAF Leuchars.

It was announced earlier this year that RAF Kinloss in Moray would shut after ministers cancelled orders for the new Nimrod MRA4 surveillance aircraft.

The future of neighbouring RAF Lossiemouth is also unclear.