RAF Lossie decision by July 19 says Defence Secretary Fox
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Defence Secretary Liam Fox
A FINAL answer on the future of RAF Lossiemouth will be made by July 19.
Defence Secretary Liam Fox gave this assurance during a meeting with First Minister Alex Salmond.
There has been criticism of Dr Fox for failing to meet local campaigners during a flying visit to the Moray base this week.
Protestors gathered outside the base at the same time as Dr Fox met service and civilian personnel on the base on Thursday.
Earlier in the day the Defence Secretary held talks with Alex Salmond, who made a strong case for retention of both RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Leuchars in Fife.
Mr Salmond said: "This was a constructive discussion and we now have a timescale for when a decision will be made.
"The Defence Secretary insists that nothing is ruled in or our at this stage and that no final decisions have been taken. He’s aware that lots of communities want an answer to this – there will be answer by July 19.
"I made the case very strongly for the retention of both RAF bases in Scotland and also urged Dr Fox to meet the taskforce representatives for both Lossiemouth and Leuchars, who have a range of arguments on the strategic advantages of keeping those bases. He gave me every indication that he would agree to that request, as he should as there is a lot at stake for these communities."
Councillor David Stewart, chair of the Save RAF Lossiemouth Action Group, was critical of Dr Fox failing to meet campaigners during his visit to the base.
"People are all totally disgusted with Liam Fox. We are all still united and will remain united until the end of the campaign," he said.
And Tony Rook, chairman of Lossiemouth Business Association, added: "We are disappointed. All we wanted was 10 minutes of his time and we got nothing. It is about time the Government realised they are playing with people’s livelihoods.
"This was an ideal opportunity for him to get our feelings."
