Hopes raised for Yorkshire air base role

A cloud of uncertainty has hung over the future of RAF bases since the Ministry of Defence announced three would close as fleets of Tornados and Harriers were scrapped as part of the Defence Review.

But Defence Minister Nick Harvey said RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire could step in as a base for rapid-reaction Typhoons to intercept suspicious aircraft should RAF Leuchars in Scotland close. The future of Leuchars in particular has been in doubt because it is a base for Tornados.

"RAF Leuchars is geographically well located for the delivery of Quick Reaction Alert operations," he told MPs. "However, it may be possible to mount northern QRA from another location. Lossiemouth and Leeming in North Yorkshire would be possible options."

RAF Leeming is used as a training base with Hawk aircraft so its future has been thought to be relatively safe.

Scottish MPs have launched a fierce campaign to save their bases, with former Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell this week leading a Westminster debate to press the case to keep Leuchars open.

A Ministry of Defence spokeswoman said no decisions have been taken on which bases will close.