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UK Government “refused” to discuss possible closures of Fort George and Kinloss

Concerns had been raised that Kinloss could close
Concerns had been raised that Kinloss could close

Veterans Minister Keith Brown yesterday claimed the UK Government has “refused” to discuss the closure of Army bases in the north of Scotland with Holyrood.

Mr Brown told the Scottish Parliament that talks on possible closures at Fort George and Kinloss had “not taken place” – despite a request from Scottish ministers.

His comments came as Moray MSP Richard Lochhead warned about the potential economic impact of a Kinloss closure, claiming 1,000 jobs could be lost in the local area if the base is mothballed.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) declined to comment on Mr Brown’s claims last night, but said “no final decision” has been taken on the possible closures.

Yesterday, Mr Lochhead said the government’s actions over Kinloss amounted to a “breach of faith” and demanded a full consultation take place before any decision is made.

He told MSPs: “The cabinet secretary will be aware that a threat hangs over the Moray economy as a result of the MoD’s estate review that has left questions over the future of the Kinloss barracks.

“Indeed, (Tuesday’s) meeting of the Moray economic partnership heard that over 1,000 full-time equivalent jobs in Moray are dependent on the barracks.

“Does he agree that any threat to Kinloss Barracks amounts to a breach of faith by the UK Government, especially after the closure of RAF Kinloss?”

He also asked if Mr Brown would support the community’s demand for the government to carry out a full consultation before any decision is made over the barracks’ future.

But Mr Brown – who handles the infrastructure, investment and cities brief – accused the UK Government of snubbing his efforts to engage on the closures.

Mr Brown said: “Richard Lochhead is right to describe this as not just a threat, but a huge threat, to the local economy of Moray.

“For my part I have spoken with Mark Lancaster – the minister responsible – and made the request that in relation to this defence estate review, when it impacts on Scotland – for example in relation to the Moray local economy or in relation to Fort George – there should be a discussion between the two governments and that has not taken place.

“In fact, it has actually been refused by the UK Government who have nevertheless had discussions with local partners in Moray but not the Scottish Government.”

After the SNP’s request for an urgent Commons question on the matter was rejected earlier this week, Moray MP Angus Robertson tried to raise it during Theresa May’s statement on the G20 summit yesterday.

But the party’s Westminster leader was warned by Speaker John Bercow he was moving off topic and the prime minister did not respond.

A spokeswoman for the MoD declined to comment on Mr Brown’s claims, but said the situation with regards to both Fort George and Kinloss had not changed.