Reopen Lincolnshire RAF bases to deal with 'major threats', MP says
A Lincolnshire MP says that the county’s closed RAF bases should be brought back into use as the world becomes more dangerous.
Gainsborough MP Sir Edward Leigh said the UK needed a “whole new gearing up of our efforts” similar to before the Second World War.
RAF Scampton was closed in 2023 as surplus to requirements, with the Red Arrows relocated to the more modern RAF Waddington.
There are a number of other closed bases across Lincolnshire, known as Bomber County for its aviation history, but many would no longer be suitable for military use.
Sir Leigh spoke in the House of Commons on Monday about the need to increase defence spending to address threats such as Russia.
“Our efforts are still puny compared to when there was last a major threat in the 1930s,” he said.
“In 1933, we were spending just 2.2 per cent of GDP on defence. By 1938, we were spending a massive 7 per cent.
“So will [the Secretary of State for Defence] commit himself for a whole new gearing up of our efforts?
“He could start by recommissioning the old RAF bases which have now closed down, which were open in the 1930s, like RAF Scampton.”
Defence Secretary John Healey didn’t respond to questions about specific bases, but said the government was ramping up military spending.
“I am proud of this government’s commitment to defence – an extra £5billion into defence in the first year,” he said.
“Our ambition is to reach three per cent by next parliament, and we have signed up with NATO allies to reach five per cent by 2035.”
Many of the Lincolnshire bases that were active during the Second World War and the Cold War have been converted to business use, housing, or agriculture.
The fate of RAF Scampton, best known as the home of the Dambusters squadron, is uncertain, with plans to sell it within the next six months.
West Lindsey District Council aims to launch a major regeneration project to attract businesses and tourism to the area.