Tornado crash shows up cuts 'as madness', says MP

A coastguard tug went to the aid of HMS Astute after the submarine ran aground

Planned cuts to the military and coastguard service have been shown up as "madness" following the Tornado crash, an MP has said.

Angus Robertson said the incident underlined the need to protect RAF Kinloss and Lossiemouth and coastguard stations from public spending cuts.

The SNP MP said his first thoughts were with the crew and their families.

The Ministry of Defence said the public would not be at risk under future search-and-rescue arrangements.

Mr Robertson said: "My first thoughts are with the crew and their families, and I wish them a full and speedy recovery."

He added: "Shutting up and selling off Scotland's military and coastguard facilities is madness.

"This rescue was co-ordinated from a centre at Kinloss which faces closure, involved a rescue helicopter from Stornoway whose station is threatened with closure, and involved a tug boat service which is also being axed."

Highland councillor Michael Foxley said: "Yet again, we have another incident in the Minches involving the Stornoway coastguard station and the local emergency tug.

"Fortunately, there appears to be no loss of life.

"This is the third major incident in as many months in the Minches. It just shows how essential these rescue services are. They are life savers."

An MoD spokesperson said: "The safety of the public is of paramount importance and we praise the efforts of all those involved in today's incident.

"It is wrong to suggest that the public will be at risk under under future arrangements of search-and-rescue - no decision has yet been taken."

In October last year, coastguard tug Anglian Prince went to the aid of Royal Navy submarine Astute after it ran aground off Skye.