23 April 2004

Review could see RAF base axed and others scaled down

A reorganisation of RAF home deployments could see one base closed and two others scaled down to "make the best use of defence resources".

Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram announced today that, following a review into the future location of a number of RAF support units, he was inclined to accept an option which would see RAF Sealand close, and RAF Boulmer and RAF Neatishead scaled down.

Units currently based at Brize Norton, Sealand, Boulmer and Neatishead would move to Scampton, and units currently based at Stafford would move to Wittering, under the plan.

However, Mr Ingram said consideration is being given to retaining some civilian staff at Sealand until the equipment they service goes out of use in 2009.

Mr Ingram said: "I understand that this news will be a cause for concern for those who work at the affected stations and those who have campaigned for the maintenance of the status quo. However, I am sure that all concerned will recognise that we must locate our units in the best place for them to meet the operational demands placed upon them and at the same time make the best use of defence resources."

Scampton will host radar surveillance and fighter control units which monitor aircraft movements in UK airspace and control military aircraft, under the review option. These units are currently based at Neatishead and Boulmer.

The radars themselves would remain at Neatishead and Boulmer, which would become what is known as remote radar heads. Boulmer would also retain its search and rescue flight, at least until the introduction of a replacement to the Sea King helicopter towards the middle of the next decade, the MoD said.

The Minister said that he would make his decision on the option to accept once he has received a formal response from the Trade Unions.

Under the department's consultation agreement, trades unions have a minimum of 30 working days to comment on the outcome of the study.

A formal consultation document has been sent to the unions asking for a formal response by 3 June 2004. The Minister will make his decision "in the light of this formal response".

The MoD said that it was "continually looking to improve military capability and value for money for the taxpayer", and keeps the size and location of our bases under constant review.

(gmcg)