Blair quizzed over RAF cutback

Jobs will be lost during scaling down of the base

The prime minister has been challenged over the decision to partially close a Royal Air Force early warning base.

Community leaders in Aberdeenshire have expressed disappointment following the announcement that operatons at RAF Buchan would be scaled down with the loss of civilian jobs and transfer of military staff.

The base has been part of the military's Air Surveillance and Control System (Asacs).

Malcolm Bruce: "Resentment at decision"

However, on Tuesday the Ministry of Defence said it would lose that function, with the responsibility now shared by the bases, at RAF Boulmer in Northumberland and RAF Neatishead in Norfolk.

While the base would continue to operate in a reduced role, the decision would mean the loss of 55 civilian jobs and the transfer of almost 300 RAF staff to other bases.

Speaking during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons, the Liberal Democrat MP for Gordon, Malcolm Bruce, warned Tony Blair that the decision had caused resentment in the community.

He asked Mr Blair: "Does the prime minister understand that the people of north east Scotland were devastated yesterday by the announcement RAF Buchan is to be downgraded with the loss of 350 jobs, nearly £10m to the local economy?

'Do what we can'

"Does he also appreciate the resentment this causes in that the control reporting centres under the air surveillance system are being reduced from three to two?

"The two retained are in England and the one that is being closed is the advanced one in Scotland."

Mr Bruce said Aberdeenshire Council should be given assurances and assistance following another blow to the local economy.

Tony Blair: "Decision was necessary"

In response, Mr Blair said: "Of course we will do what we can to help Aberdeenshire Council.

"However, I have to say these changes that are taking place are part of an overall review of how we make best use of the resources we have.

"Now in those changes people will find things which they find are unpopular and unpalatable but it is necessary in order to put the service on a sound footing for the future.

"As for those people displaced by that, we will work with them to make sure that they are provided for."

The MoD said the decision would save around £5m a year and follows a survey of staff at the Scottish and Norfolk bases.

It found that military personnel accepted they have to move around and over 80% nominated Norfolk as their preferred base.