Oxfordshire MP warns Government of ‘serious and irreversible mistake that risks national security’
Homes England plan to build more than 3,000 new homes at Chalgrove Airfield
An MP in Oxfordshire is urging the Government to not build a new town with more than 3,000 homes as it is a
Homes England are planning to build the development at Chalgrove Airfield where they will demolish the site’s three operational runways and relocating a single new runway.
The airfield is home to world-leading British defence manufacturer, Martin-Baker, which tests and develops military ejector seats used by the RAF, as well as 92 allied air forces and navies.
Freddie van Mierlo, MP for Henley and Thame, has written to the Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey MP, and the Minister for the Armed Forces, Alistair Carns MP, urging them to intervene and stop the proposals.
He says ‘these systems are essential for protecting aircrew operating in NATO and other defence missions’.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio, Mr van Mierlo said: “It's hard to understate its importance.
“If the operations of Martin-Baker are disrupted, it is no understatement to say our armed forces would be grounded if their work does not continue.
“If we don't have a steady supply of that of those ballistics that need to be replaced on a regular basis that require specialised manufacturing, it wouldn't be safe for those aircraft to fly. It's as simple as that.”
“It is a critical juncture for our safety, our security. As brave airmen and women defend our skies, we need them to have the best possible equipment.
“That equipment is being tested and produced it in the UK and we should be very proud of that, not putting it a risk”, he adds.
The Liberal Democrat also said: “I fully recognise the need for new homes, but this is simply the wrong place.
“Chalgrove Airfield is a nationally significant site, essential to the UK’s defence capability and the safety of service personnel. Allowing this development to go ahead would be a serious and irreversible mistake.
“I am urging the Defence Secretary to act now to safeguard this strategically critical site.”
We have contacted the Ministry of Defence for a comment.