MP Says A Norfolk RAF Base's Future Is Secure For Decades
26 March 2013, 06:00
MP Liz Truss says the decision to make RAF Marham the home of the Joint Strike Fighter will secure thousands of jobs and millions of pounds for Norfolk's economy.
In an interview with Heart Ms Truss admitted she was worried RAF Lossiemouth could get the new planes instead.
RAF Marham is home to Tornados at the moment but they will be decommissioned by 2019 and if the new planes had gone elsewhere the base could have shut. That would have meant more than 5,000 jobs would be lost. But now the future of the base is secure until 2040 and beyond.
Heart's Hannah Griffiths spoke to Liz Truss MP.
The Station Commander at RAF Marham also told Heart having the new Lightening II planes would benefit the whole region.
It's estimated the base is worth 130 million a year to the local economy.
Heart reporter Hannah Griffiths spoke to Station Commander Group Captain David Cooper.