Sleaford and district’s political leaders welcome news of Red Arrows moving to RAF Waddington

Sleaford’s MP Dr Caroline Johnson has welcomed news that the Red Arrows are to stay in Lincolnshire and move into her constituency.
The Red Arrows. EMN-200518-154631001The Red Arrows. EMN-200518-154631001
The Red Arrows. EMN-200518-154631001

The government announced almost two years ago the current Lincolnshire home of the Red Arrows, the historic RAF Scampton would close in 2022 with the Red Arrows relocating to a site “more fit for purpose”.

Since then Sleaford and North Hykeham MP Dr Johnson has been one of the most vocal advocates for keeping the aerobatic in the county.

With news released today that they are to relocate to RAF Waddington when Scampton closes, she told the Standard: “The Red Arrows are a huge part of our local heritage, as a county with such a rich RAF history, and it would have been an absolute tragedy to see them relocated.

Delighted with the Red Arrows decision, MP Dr Caroline Johnson said: "This has been a huge concern locally." EMN-200519-093417001Delighted with the Red Arrows decision, MP Dr Caroline Johnson said: "This has been a huge concern locally." EMN-200519-093417001
Delighted with the Red Arrows decision, MP Dr Caroline Johnson said: "This has been a huge concern locally." EMN-200519-093417001

“When Boris Johnson visited my Conservative Association last year, he promised to back the Red Arrows staying in Lincolnshire. I am delighted to confirm that this promise has been delivered with the news that the Red Arrows will be based in RAF Waddington going forward.

“This has been a huge concern locally and I have been working closely with colleagues, including Sir Edward Leigh, for the last few years to press the MoD and the Civil Aviation Authority to make the right decision.

“This really is a fantastic outcome for all concerned.”

The Ministry of Defence will look at options for preserving the rich history of RAF Scampton after its closure. During the Second World War, the base was home to 617 Squadron which famously took part in the Dambusters raids in 1943.

A safety assessment deemed RAF Waddington to be the best possible home for The Red Arrows, and the relocation - which was first announced in 2018 - will now move into the assessment and planning stage.

Dr Johnson was supported by a delegation of the county’s leaders to Parliament last June when they lobbied the House of Lords in a bid to secure the Red Arrows for the county.

Coun Richard Wright, Leader of North Kesteven Dsitrict Council was among the delegates, he welcomed the news saying: “I’m very pleased to see the Red Arrows remain in Lincolnshire, they are a much loved and appreciated part of the long aviation history of this county.

“I am also very happy to welcome them back to North Kesteven, as they were previously based at RAF Cranwell for a period around 20 years ago.

“Moving to RAF Waddington will ensure their continued presence in the skies over the Lincoln and Lincolnshire area and as well as continuing our proud association, this will be a welcome boost for the local economy.”

RAF Waddington was one of three shortlisted options confirmed by the Ministry of Defence, along with RAF Wittering near Stamford and RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire.

Coun Wright had said on the delegation: “It was important to go and show our support, to say that we wanted to see the Red Arrows stay within Lincolnshire which is undoubtedly their spiritual home.

“It is important that we all recognise and appreciate what they bring to the area; and that goes beyond the undoubted benefits to tourism, direct and indirect employment and county prestige, to engineering, education and research,” said Counr Wright who worked on similar Hawk jets within a 13-year service career as RAF ground crew.

Coun Wright had also written to Dr Johnson on the matter saying: “The Reds are as key to ‘Brand Lincolnshire’ as any of the other historic aspects associated with the county, not least the wealth of aviation heritage we champion and celebrate in partnership across the area.

“Aviation is central to the attraction of Lincolnshire to a significant element of the 20million annual visitors as the sector grows by around three per cent year-on-year to contribute £1.4bn to the county economy; a rise of 30% over five years.

“Within North Kesteven alone, visitor numbers rose 4.4% over a year to 3.08million days and nights spent locally in 2017, creating a £137m boost to our economy. You can imagine the enhanced impact should the Reds be housed directly within the district.

“There is considerable community pride in having the Red Arrows as fellow residents of Lincolnshire. For decades your constituents have grown up with and been familiar with the iconic team and their very visible – and very audible at

times – presence in the skies above us.”