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RAF Aerobatic Team

My right honourable friend, the Minister of State for the Armed Forces (Bob Ainsworth) has made the following Written Ministerial Statement. I am able to inform the House today of the outcome of the Royal Air Force study that has been undertaken to consider the future basing requirements for the RAF Aerobatic Team (RAFAT) known as the Red Arrows. The aim of the study was to consider future basing options and to make recommendations on the most suitable option in terms of operational effectiveness and value for money. Based on the recommendations of the study, I have decided that, subject to trades union consultation, the RAFAT will operate from RAF Waddington and continue to use the dedicated air space above RAF Scampton to complete their aerobatic displays. This will result in some 100 service personnel being relocated from RAF Scampton to RAF Waddington. Two civilian posts will be part of this move. Other members of civilian staff who work within the airfield support services at RAF Scampton may be affected by the reduction in the use of the station’s runway. This is the subject of further work. Accordingly, we will be formally consulting with the trade unions over the two personnel affected by this relocation. We will also inform the trade unions that other civilians may be affected. The RAFAT’s relocation will be complete by 31 July 2011.