Shailesh Vara MP, along with Mayor James Palmer and Vice-Chairman of Wittering Parish Council John Bradshaw, recently met with Defence Minister Tobias Ellwood, to discuss the Red Arrows potential move to RAF Wittering.

The Ministry of Defence recently announced RAF Wittering as one of three possible new homes for the Red Arrows following the closure of RAF Scampton in 2022.

A number of points were put across to the Minster as to why RAF Wittering would be the most suitable place for the Red Arrows. This included the easily accessible location of the RAF base, just off the A1, as well as a comprehensive ready built infrastructure around the base.

The Department will now carry out detailed studies to assess the suitability of each of the sites.

Shailesh Vara MP said:

“It would be fantastic to have the Red Arrows at RAF Wittering and I was very pleased to arrange this meeting with local representatives and the Minister to put forward our case as to why the base would be the most suitable home for the Red Arrows.

The base provides easy access off the A1 and already has an excellent infrastructure around it to facilitate the needs of the Red Arrows.

I have made clear to the Minister that I and the local community are prepared to help him in any way we can.”

Rt Hon Tobias Ellwood MP, Defence Minister, said:

“It was good to meet with representatives from North West Cambridgeshire supporting a possible move by the Red Arrows to Wittering RAF base.

This was a very useful meeting at which various points were put across. The decision will be subject to independent assessment in the MOD after all the factors have been fully considered concerning all three potential sites.”

Mayor James Palmer, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, said:

“I am delighted to offer my support to RAF Wittering in this opportunity to be the official home of the Red Arrows. This is very exciting for the village and airbase and I am sure would be welcomed across the county.”

Cllr John Bradshaw, Vice-Chairman of Wittering Parish Council, said:

“As a representative of the Parish Council I fully support the Red Arrows coming to Wittering. This would be an excellent development and would raise the profile of the village and surrounding area.

There has been an airbase at Wittering for over 100 years and Wittering would be a fitting home for the world-famous Red Arrows.”
 

Photo: left to right, Shailesh Vara MP, Rt Hon Tobias Ellwood MP, Cllr John Bradshaw and Mayor James Palmer.