MP asks for minister’s backing on RM Condor

Scottish Conservative MP Kirstene Hair has accused her SNP rivals of scaremongering over the future of Scotland’s Royal Marine base.

She called on a UK minister to put an end to rumours about the closure of RM Condor, home of 45 Commando.

However, Tobias Ellwood, parliamentary under-secretary of state for defence, did not guarantee the long-term future of the base, saying only that there are plans to close the airfield.

Speaking in the Commons, Ms Hair said: “Will the minister confirm there are no plans to close RM Condor and that 45 Commando place in Angus is secure?”

Mr Ellwood replied: “I think it’s just the airfield, if memory serves, that needs to be looked at.”

Fears have been raised that the Royal Marines could lose 1,000 of their elite soldiers across the UK, as well as two landing ships HMS bulwark and HMS Albion as part of wider defence cuts.

RM Condor has had the threat of closure hanging over it since 2004.

Last week, Ms Hair was criticised for missing a debate on concerns about the future of the Royal Marines in the UK.

Stewart Mcdonald, the SNP’S defence spokesman in Westminster, said it is “staggering” to be accused of scaremongering from an MP who did not turn up to a debate on the base’s future.

Picture: Kim Cessford. Kirstene Hair MP.