THE UK Government has claimed that Scottish independence would plunge the future of RAF Lossiemouth into doubt.
Coalition ministers have questioned whether a breakaway nation could afford to keep fighter jets at the base – and warned of a “knock-on impact” on Moray’s economy.
The claims triggered a fresh war of words last night, with the region’s SNP MP, Angus Robertson, insisting that the base’s future would be “guaranteed” after independence.
He also reminded the UK Government that it had been threatening to close RAF Lossiemouth a little over two years ago.
However, Moray Chamber of Commerce called for both camps in the independence battle to provide greater assurances over the base’s future before the historic referendum next year. Up to 30 Typhoon jets and about 400 associated personnel will move next summer from RAF Leuchars in Fife to Lossiemouth and £85million is being spent upgrading the airfield to ready it for their arrival.
The Press and Journal revealed last week that the SNP wants to try to keep Typhoon jets in a new Scottish air force, based at Lossiemouth.
But the UK Government’s latest analysis paper on the impact of independence, published yesterday, said it was “not clear” Scotland could afford them.
Mr Robertson responded, saying: “Lossiemouth has an excellent future following independence, as does the Moray economy, which will not have to go through the threat of closure recently endured from Westminster.
“The base is optimally placed for quick-reaction flights and other air capabilities Scotland will require. As the primary military air facility in Scotland, its future is guaranteed.”
Moray Chamber of Commerce said the 2011 campaign to save RAF Lossiemouth from closure had shown “the very strong feeling” that the region needed the base.
It added: “It is important that the Moray community is given assurance from both sides as to the position of RAF Lossiemouth ahead of the referendum date.”