Defence Minister Philip Dunne has ordered a “short, sharp exercise” to have one further look at the future of Defence Munitions Longtown.
In a letter to local representatives the Minster stated that he has instructed officials to investigate further options that would keep threatened Longtown open with reduced cost levels as an alternative to other proposals which have been put forward. The Minister delayed a decision on Longtown while he waited for the outcome and recommendations into the theft of munitions from a rail carriage last October. This review into the security of munitions transport has been far reaching and time consuming. A decision on Longtown
is a complex issue and has been further complicated by the timing of the Spending Review.
The Minister was continuing to review the relative risks and implications of the recommendations of officials as well as alternative proposals put forward by the unions at Longtown.
This new review will be completed by mid April with the Minister taking a final decision once the outcome of the 2015/16 Spending Review is known. It takes place in the March-April 2013 period.
Commenting Dumfriesshire MP David Mundell said: “This latest update from the Ministry of Defence shows that all the options to retain the site are still on the table. There remains a strong case for retaining MoD Longtown, despite the planned spending cuts and I will continue to do everything I can to make sure that case is heard ahead of the final decision. The commitment and quality of existing workers cannot be questioned and it is important that local MPs, councils and trade unions continue to work together to make the positive case for Longtown at this time.”