Barracks closures '˜risks loss of hundreds of jobs in York' - Maskell

YORK CENTRAL MP Rachael Maskell has criticised the Government for failing to consider the economic impact of closing an Army barracks in the city.
York Central MP Rachael MaskellYork Central MP Rachael Maskell
York Central MP Rachael Maskell

Ms Maskell expressed concern the proposed closure and sale of Imphal Barracks could take away skilled jobs from the city.

She pointed to Ministry of Defence (MOD) guidelines requiring any plan to close facilities to be the subject of an economic impact assessment.

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Speaking in the Commons, Ms Maskell claimed the Government’s plans “will result in more than 500 civilian and contractor jobs lost in York, where the local economy is already struggling with low wages and job losses”.

She called on Defence Minister Mark Lancaster to “work across Government to ensure that we can secure jobs in York”.

Mr Lancaster stressed that the proposals, announced as part of a review of MOD property last year, would not see Imphal Barracks sold off until 2031.

He told MPs: “We will be following all due process.

“The economic impact assessment is as much a useful document for the local authority to see what gaps there may be as a result of the estate being closed, so that we can work closely with the local authority to see how we can move forward.”

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Mr Lancaster said the plan to close some military facilities had been drawn up “in consultation with senior military officers to optimise defence infrastructure to better support military capability.”

The Minister added: “The MOD has engaged with, and will continue to engage with, local authorities in order to maximise and enhance local economic development as well as value for money for defence.”

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