MP Delighted at NEW future for Lyneham
14th March 2006
RAF Lyneham is being considered under Project Belvedere, a Joint Helicopter Command study, as a potential helicopter super base.

North Wiltshire MP Mr James Gray who actively spearheaded the 'Save RAF Lyneham Campaign' when the Government decided to conduct a Strategic Defence Review in early 2002.

The final report which was released in July 2003 identified Wiltshire's only airbase for closure by 2012 and the newest Hercules C130J to move to Oxfordshire airbase by 2009. The plans also included the decommissioning of the older workhorse version of the air transporter by the end of the decade.

Defence enthusiasts and many former Lyneham airmen could not see the rationale behind the MoD decision sending all the armed forces air transport fleet to one base with a sole runway.

This would effectively be putting 'all your eggs in one basket', and severely derailment national defence security, something Mr Gray has been highlighting for years.

Among other additional concerns, the current inventory plans, relocations and proposed timescale's announced to implement these changes, many people agree, including a 11,600 signature petition sent to the House of Commons, the plans effectively would not be feasible. The concerns echo widespread contractor delays, changing environments, local economical and commerce losses and inception problems with new arsenal, the earmarked plans would be unachievable.

Mr Gray who has been relentlessly challenging the current Defence Secretary Mr John Reid and his previous incumbent Mr Geoff Hoon for positive answers around the future of Lyneham and Defence Minister Adam Ingram has finally given him assurance with a coherent reply. This sort of Parliamentary announcement would not have been given if positive plans for the future were not being actively considered.

Mr Gray has said "I was delighted to receive a parliamentary answer from Adam Ingram, the Minister of State for the Armed Forces, stating that "RAF Lyneham is being considered under Project Belvedere, a Joint Helicopter Command study, as a potential helicopter super base."

"I was also much encouraged by the further indication that even if the Joint Helicopter super base was not a reality, that they would seek other defence suitors for the site," said North Wilts MP, James Gray, having received the Minister's answer."

"There are 750 civilian employees at RAF Lyneham and a very substantial number of other people whose livelihoods depend on the base and I am delighted that they are being thrown this lifeline by the Ministry of Defence."