Gainsborough's MP to discuss long term future of RAF Scampton with defence secretary
Sir Edward Leigh is concerned housing asylum seekers there could jeopardise regeneration plans
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has offered to meet with Gainsborough's MP to discuss the long term future of the former RAF Scampton base.
Sir Edward Leigh brought up the issue of the site in the House of Commons as defence spending was being discussed.
He's previously raised concerns that housing migrants at the base could jeopardise a multi million pound regeneration deal for the site.
He told the Commons:
It's their duty to maintain the best runway in Europe
"In the 1930s a wise Government ensured that RAF airfields were upgraded and improved and that saved us from extinction in 1940."
"If we are to be on a war footing will the Secretary of State remind the Home office that it is their duty to maintain the best runway in Europe - 10,000 feet long - at RAF Scampton instead of letting it rot at present."
"And if they're incapable of doing it will they hand it over to Scampton holdings as soon as possible (the organisation in charge of the regeneration project) as we've argued for 15 months so it can be used - improved and be available for a future emergency."
Grant Shapprs responded:
"My right honourable friend is speaking to the converted."
"As a keen pilot I agree with him entirely."
"It normally works the other way round but I will offer him a meeting so we can discuss RAF Scampton and its long term future rather than short term in more detail."