A ROSYTH councillor wants West Fifers to back his call to launch a campaign in a bid to secure the future of HMS Caledonia.

Labour’s Mike Shirkie has vowed to fight the planned closure of the historic base and is seeking “joined-up thinking” from politicians and the wider community to campaign for a life support programme for the aircraft carriers to be carried out in the town.

In November the UK Government announced that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) base would shut, meaning that the last Royal Navy presence in the town would depart by 2022.

The planned closure would coincide with the completion date of the HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier, the final assembly of which is taking place at the dockyard alongside that of HMS Queen Elizabeth.

Defence secretary Michael Fallon said that the decision to close Caledonia was part of a long-term strategy to deliver a more efficient, modern and capability-focused defence estate, but it was met with an angry reaction.

Dunfermline MP Douglas Chapman, the SNP’s sole member of the Defence Select Committee, branded it as a “historic mistake” while the Scottish Government’s economy secretary Keith Brown last month raised fears about a lack of consultation about the decision.

Cllr Shirkie, who is backed by his Dunfermline South Labour colleague Billy Pollock, wants a life support programme for the carriers at Rosyth and to keep Caledonia open.

Speaking to the Press, he said: “The Royal Navy have had a presence in Rosyth for over 100 years and, although it has been gradually whittled down, it is hugely important. 

“I am in favour of fighting the closure and there is no reason why Caledonia could not be retained. 

“The core of Caledonia is the lodging units, which have been the base for the Royal Marine Band, who have been a huge part of the community. 

“The issue of the carriers coming to an end has meant the accommodation requirements will no longer be needed and that’s one of the main reasons for the closure.

“However, we need to challenge the decision. If we were to win life support, it would sustain the base and guarantee jobs for years to come.

"It would help Babcock maintain their workforce and there is no reason why Caledonia could not be retained and this work be carried out in Rosyth.

“The deep water at the jetty at (DM) Crombie is capable of taking carriers and, when you look at the facilities there and at Babcock, there is a golden opportunity there to have life support carried out in Rosyth.

“We need joined-up thinking to sit down and start a joint campaign.”

Following Mr Brown’s concern that “no information has been shared on personnel moves and, in some areas, no contact has been made whatsoever”, Mr Chapman told the Press last month: “I share Mr Brown’s concerns regarding the lack of communication on the Caley base and have asked questions in parliament about its future use.

“The MoD appears quick to make big decisions but slow on providing information and a plan for those it affects. After 100 years of linkage between the Royal Navy and Rosyth, if the base cannot be retained, I will work for a positive outcome to benefit Rosyth, particularly regarding the base’s facilities.

“I will be keen to use my experience as a former Rosyth councillor and as a current member of the Defence Select Committee to fight for the best outcome for the community, along with current councillor Sharon Wilson.”

Both Mr Brown and Fife Council leader David Ross have written to Mark Lancaster MP, the parliamentary under-secretary of state for the MoD, seeking reassurances.

Mr Chapman said “the MoD has made the historic mistake of withdrawing completely from Rosyth, leaving the UK with no naval bases on its north eastern coast”, while reserves at HMS Scotia and local cadet groups face the prospect of being re-homed.

Rosyth SNP councillor Sharon Wilson launched a petition calling for the base, which has recreational facilities such as a 25-metre swimming pool and gym, to be given to the community, while the Unite union called on the UK Government to safeguard jobs when work on the carriers ends.

General secretary Len McCluskey said that West Fife workers should benefit from contracts to build new supply ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, stressing that the MoD “should respect their skills, secure their jobs and safeguard them for the next generation”.

The two Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers being assembled at Rosyth are the largest warships ever made.
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