Fife Chamber calls for Scottish recognition prior to Defence Review
Fife Chamber of Commerce has voiced its concern over the potential impact of the coalition government's Strategic Defence and Security Review, in particular with speculation growing about the future of RAF Leuchars and its potential closure.
In a letter to the Secretary of State for Defence Dr Liam Fox MP, Fife Chamber Chief Executive Alan Russell has urged Dr Fox to meet with delegates of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, Scottish Engineering and CBI Scotland so that the case for Scottish businesses and bases can be put forward before the review is concluded.
Mr Russell said: "We appreciate that the UK faces many challenges in the realms of both defence and in public spending and we understand and support the need for a full Strategic Defence and Security Review. However, this review must be carried out within the context of the wider challenges facing the UK economy, including the need to facilitate an economic environment in which the private sector can rise to the challenge of creating the wealth and growth required to address the longer term financial strength of the UK.
"We strongly believe that it is private sector businesses that can lead the economy into sustainable growth. By working in an arena of mutual trust and respect, the public sector can achieve many of its needed efficiencies through private sector businesses operating as key delivery partners."
He continued: "Defence activities in Scotland deliver a real and necessary boost to our private sector economy, supporting employment, skills provision and community cohesion. Ultimately these are wins which help to support our wider economy and a range of other businesses. Decisions in the course of the current Strategic Defence and Security Review must be made within this wider context. As a business organisation we make the case for better value public spending and the need to derive the maximum benefit from every pound of taxpayers' money spent. It is difficult to imagine a more valuable public sector investment in Scotland than that provided by the Ministry of Defence, and we urge you to consider this fact as you progress with the Strategic Defence and Security Review."
Fife Chamber works to contribute positively to the Fife economy by representing its members' interests, engaging with businesses of all types, identifying and debating issues affecting the Fife economy and lobbying locally and nationally to help resolve business concerns.
