Disappointment for Leeming as Red Arrows stay in Lincolnshire

The Red Arrows will not be based at RAF Leeming after MoD bosses decided the display team would stay in Lincolnshire when their current bases closes.

The world-famous aerobatics team will move around 11 miles away to RAF Waddington when RAF Scampton closes its doors in 2022.

The North Yorkshire base, along with RAF Wittering near Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, had been the two other possible locations for bases for the Red Arrows.

Richmond MP Rishi Sunak said the decision was “disappointing” for RAF Leeming.

“I know the idea of having the Red Arrows display team based at RAF Leeming captured the imagination of many local people so this is disappointing news.

“But the new base selection process has been exhaustive and thorough and I know RAF Leeming’s case was considered fully in that process.

“I wish the display team – the pride of the RAF – well when they move to RAF Waddington in 2022”

Defence Minister Jeremy Quin said: “As we saw during the recent VE Day celebrations, the Red Arrows have a proud and prominent place in British culture and have long demonstrated the best of what the UK Armed Forces offer with their world-renowned skills, discipline and teamwork.

“It is good news that we have an excellent base for them at RAF Waddington, and I am delighted that they will be able to continue to practise their extraordinary aerobatic talents above RAF Scampton in their home county of Lincolnshire.”

Air Vice-Marshal Warren James said the Red Arrows showcase “the very best of the British precision and leadership for industry on a global scale, inspiring next generation interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics through an air and space power lens.”

He added: “The announcement of this move will provide much needed stability for their future endeavours.”

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