RAF Lyneham to Close by 2012
Local MP Fury at Lyneham Announcement
4th July 2003
"The news that RAF Lyneham is to close by 2012 is a devastating blow for the whole of North Wiltshire" said MP James Gray speaking at a press conference in Lyneham Village Hall this morning.

In a Written Statement in the House of Commons Defence Minister Adam Ingram announced that as a result of Treasury cuts RAF Lyneham will close at the latest in 2012 when the C130K Hercules fleet reaches the end of its life. The C130J fleet will be moved to Brize Norton by 2008. "There are 750 civilians employed at Lyneham. and on top of that there are always people who run the offices, shops, schools and other local businesses associated with the base" said Mr Gray.

"We estimate Lyneham is worth £75 million a year to the local economy, so its closure, thanks to Labour defence cuts, is an absolutely devastating blow".

'It was only a month ago that the Prime Minister, having visited Lyneham, gave me an assurance in the House of Commons that the base would not be closed. This announcement, driven by financial cuts, highlights the Labour party's lack of interest in defence matters".

'RAF Lyneham, and the Hercules fleet played a central role in the Gulf conflict and in every war fought during the last 50 years. I pay tribute to the airmen and airwomen without whom the defence of the realm would not have been possible and call on the Prime Minister even at this late date to stand by his commitment to them"