Make it Marham

The Government's Strategic Defence and Security Review is likely to lead to the number of RAF Tornado bases reducing from two to one, with the likely closure of either RAF Marham in Norfolk or RAF Lossiemouth in Moray, Scotland.

RAF Marham employs around 5000 staff, with family members making a community of around 8000. Their incomes, combined with the purchase of goods and services from local businesses, contribute in excess of £130 million to the local economy.

The base is the last remaining RAF station in Norfolk and is vital to the economies of Norfolk and northern East Anglia.

In 2008, Norfolk lost RAF Coltishall and RAF Neatishead. It is still recovering from the impact of those closures. Two further regional bases (RAF Wittering and RAF Cottesmore) will close next year when the Harrier is taken out of service.

Losing RAF Marham would have a catastrophic impact on the local economy and businesses supplying the base, local shops, leisure facilities and public services would inevitably suffer.

Aside from the economic merits, retaining RAF Marham makes military sense.

It has had more investment in new infrastructure, especially the ‘depth maintenance’ facilities provided by BAE Systems and Rolls Royce to test aircraft wings.
The estimated costs to BAE in replicating or removing these functions to Lossiemouth are at least £50m; possibly more, as the hangars at Lossiemouth are unable to accommodate the specialist layout at Marham.

Flights from Marham to the UK's Forward Operating Base in Cyprus can also be completed without the need for refuelling, unlike those from Lossiemouth.

Norfolk County Council, the Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Breckland Council, Norfolk MPs, businesses, local media and other public bodies have come together to press Marham's case to the Government.

Please sign this petition to help demonstrate the strength of feeling for saving RAF Marham.

Many thanks.