Labour has called on the Tory-led government to end the delay and dithering over the future of RAF Kinloss and Lossiemouth and to give communities the answers they deserve.

Ann McKechin MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland, has been holding talks today in Lossiemouth and Forres with campaigners, trade union officials and business representatives who are fighting to save the bases from closure.

Ann McKechin, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland, said,

“After meeting campaigners from both RAF Kinloss and Lossiemouth, and representatives from the local communities it is more clear to me than ever that the Government cannot continue to hold the future of these communities hostage in this way. It is unfair and unacceptable.

 

“A decision on the future of the bases must be made swiftly and the Tory-led Government must live up to its responsibilities and provide these towns with the appropriate support immediately. So far all we have seen is delay and dithering.

“I have listened to both campaigns and their message is a strong one. Labour has always challenged the credibility of the spending review carried out by the Ministry of Defence and this credibility is further undermined by this continued and unnecessary delay on a decision.

 

“The bases are integral to the local economy and to the communities themselves. The decision affects the lives of real people and they deserve an answer now.”

Highlands and Islands Labour MSP, Rhoda Grant, added,

“It was good to meet members of the business community in Moray who are already being affected by the cloud of uncertainty hanging over the bases. They are unable to expand their businesses and banks are becoming increasingly cautious about their outstanding loans.

 

“The situation has effectively put the dead hand on small and medium sized businesses at the very time when they should be playing their part in keeping the Moray economy alive.”