Shailesh Vara MP and Jonathan Djanogly MP have met with Defence Minister, Mark Lancaster, to discuss the future of RAF Molesworth. They were accompanied by Cllr Jason Ablewhite, Executive Leader of Huntingdonshire District Council and Cllr Jim White, who represents Ellington Ward in which RAF Molesworth is situated.

The meeting follows the announcement made last year that the US Air Force, who are currently based at the site, will be moving out sometime during 2020-2023.

The aim of the meeting was to discuss the Ministry of Defence’s plans for the sale of the airbase and to achieve the best outcome possible for local residents.

Mr Lancaster said that no decisions had yet been taken as to the future of the site and he made clear that he is sensitive to local views and would be looking at a number of options to maximise the financial return for the MoD from the sale.

Mr Lancaster gave an assurance that whatever decision is taken, he will ensure that the MoD works closely with the local community.

Following the meeting, Mr Vara, in whose constituency the airbase is situated, said:

“I am grateful to Mr Lancaster for agreeing to meet with us. It was a very useful meeting during which he explained that no final decision has been taken on the site’s final use. I am particularly pleased to receive an assurance from him that the MoD will work closely with the local community and its representatives as matters progress. This is a huge site and it is important that we have an active voice in its future.”

Jonathan Djanogly MP commented:

“We had a very productive meeting with local representatives and the Minister. Clearly the dynamics, timing and logistics for Alconbury and Molesworth are different and it was good to have the opportunity to discuss these issues together.”

Cllr Jason Ablewhite said:

“It was an extremely productive meeting and both local ward councillor, Jim White, and I felt that the Ministry of Defence was listening to the concerns being expressed about the sustainability of RAF Molesworth being sold for housing. We had a clear steer from the Minister that he will work with Huntingdonshire District Council to work on alternative uses for the site once the USAF vacate sometime over the next 5-7 years.”

Cllr Jim White added:

'I was extremely pleased that the Defence Minister took the time to listen to local residents concerns today. While it is disappointing that the Ministry of Defence has no future requirement for the Molesworth site beyond the departure of the US Air Force in 2019, the Minister was advised that disposal of the air base to potential housing developers would create a significant local infrastructure burden. I was therefore encouraged that the Minister agreed to consider alternative disposal options.”

Photo: From left to right – Shailesh Vara MP, Cllr Jim White, Cllr Jason Ablewhite and Jonathan Djanogly MP.