What meessage does this send?

The home of the Red Arrows, RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire, will be sold to cut costs as the air force celebrates its 100th year.

Defence minister Tobias Ellwood said today the Ministry of Defence had to create a “smaller, more modern and capability-focused estate between now and 2040”.

The Red Arrows themselves will be relocated, as their current base is scheduled to be closed in 2022. Ellwood said this “would offer better value for money and, crucially, better military capability”.

Lib Dem defence spokesman Jamie Stone slammed the decision, given the “enormous national importance” of the airfield.

“Not only is the base now home to our iconic red arrows, but it was also home to the 617 squadron of the Dambusters mission in World War II,” he said.

“The Conservatives’ decision to sell the base off is a huge blow to jobs in Lincoln as well as our national heritage.”

Re: What meessage does this send?

All governments have been closing old WW11 airbases for many years because there were just too many of them for modern needs. I agree that Scampton has a higher profile than most so hopefully space will be put aside to honour that history, but in many cases the old airbases are converted to industry which creates even more civilian jobs that the old airfield used to, so maybe all isn't lost and some good can still come of it?

Re: What meessage does this send?

what message does it send - I don't think 99% of the population give a damn

Re: What meessage does this send?

I'm not sure about 99%, Certainly anyone under 40 probably doesn't give a damn. If 617 squadron was a game on their phone, they might be interested.

I just hope the land isn't sold off for new housing for economic migrants.

Re: What meessage does this send?

Well in the the year celebrating 100 years of the RAF i feel it is unthoughtful at best and im sure most brits have a fondness for the Red Arrows.

Re: What meessage does this send?

We all love the arrow, but I've never heard of this place.

There's a Heritage Centre and Museum, I assume that will remain.

Re: What meessage does this send?

something quite interesting I just googled up:

https://www.purcelluk.com/projects/raf-scampton

Re: What meessage does this send?

No doubt the Red Arrows will be relocated elsewhere which is a shame because being just to the southeast in Nottinghamshire we often see them as they are going to or coming from their base .

Re: What meessage does this send?

barry I do really grieve for you we would all love to see them going to and coming from the base but I live in OZ - impossible?

Re: What meessage does this send?

Do you have anything like that in Ozland?

The Flying Roos maybe?