Menu
23/04/2004
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)
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)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 May 2015
Three RAF Chinook Helicopters To Be Sent To Nepal
The UK has committed to sending three RAF Chinook helicopters to help relief efforts in Nepal. The helicopters are being provided by the Department of International Development (DfID) alongside £2.5m in funding to the UN's Humanitarian Air Service.
Three RAF Chinook Helicopters To Be Sent To Nepal
The UK has committed to sending three RAF Chinook helicopters to help relief efforts in Nepal. The helicopters are being provided by the Department of International Development (DfID) alongside £2.5m in funding to the UN's Humanitarian Air Service.
20 July 2007
Three RAF servicemen killed in Iraq
Three RAF servicemen have been killed during an attack on their base in Iraq, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed. Two men from 1 Squadron RAF Regiment and one man from 504 Squadron Royal Auxiliary were killed in an indirect fire attack on the Contingency Operating Base in Basra, Iraq.
Three RAF servicemen killed in Iraq
Three RAF servicemen have been killed during an attack on their base in Iraq, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed. Two men from 1 Squadron RAF Regiment and one man from 504 Squadron Royal Auxiliary were killed in an indirect fire attack on the Contingency Operating Base in Basra, Iraq.
20 April 2007
RAF jet crashes at Welsh airfield
An RAF jet has crashed at an airfield in Anglesey in north Wales, police have confirmed. The Hawk plane crashed at the Mona airfield around 12:25pm on Friday. Initial reports suggested that the pilot ejected safely and it has now been confirmed that the pilot has been airlifted to Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor by RAF helicopter.
RAF jet crashes at Welsh airfield
An RAF jet has crashed at an airfield in Anglesey in north Wales, police have confirmed. The Hawk plane crashed at the Mona airfield around 12:25pm on Friday. Initial reports suggested that the pilot ejected safely and it has now been confirmed that the pilot has been airlifted to Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor by RAF helicopter.
04 July 2003
RAF Lyneham set to close by 2012
RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire is to close by 2012 with the loss of almost 600 jobs at the transport and logistics support airfield. Under the rationalisation plan confirmed today by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) the squadrons based at RAF Lyneham will be transferred to RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.
RAF Lyneham set to close by 2012
RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire is to close by 2012 with the loss of almost 600 jobs at the transport and logistics support airfield. Under the rationalisation plan confirmed today by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) the squadrons based at RAF Lyneham will be transferred to RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.
27 November 2014
70% Of Supermarket Chickens Test Positive For Bacteria
A new report by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has revealed that more than 70% of fresh chickens sold in UK supermarkets are contaminated. The chickens are contaminated with the Campylobacter bacteria, that cause a common form of food poisoning.
70% Of Supermarket Chickens Test Positive For Bacteria
A new report by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has revealed that more than 70% of fresh chickens sold in UK supermarkets are contaminated. The chickens are contaminated with the Campylobacter bacteria, that cause a common form of food poisoning.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Another cloudy and mild night with the odd spot of light drizzle. More widespread outbreaks of rain will spread southeast into western parts of Tyrone, Fermanagh and Derry late in the night. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
