MP calls for enhanced resilience after RAF Fylingdales visit
Alison Hume is calling for national resilience to be automatically triggered when facility at risk
Alison Hume MP has visited RAF Fylingdales to discover more about the unique site's vital role in defending the UK, the United States and other allies, as well as how it coped during last summer's devastating wildfire, which threatened the station.
During the visit, the Member of Parliament for Scarborough and Whitby met RAF Fylingdales' Commanding Officer Wing Commander Toby Steward, service personnel, civilian experts and representatives of the fire crews who helped protect the Ministry of Defence site alongside North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service when the flames swept across neighbouring moorland.
Ms Hume also visited the RAF Fylingdales Family Hub in Whitby, which provides support to serving personnel, civilian staff and their families, led by Flight Sargeant Keith Burt MBE.
Discussing the facility’s wider role, W/C Steward stressed that RAF Fylingdales sees itself not only as a strategic defence asset, but also as an integral part of the local community, with strong links to residents, organisations and emergency services.
Ms Hume said: “RAF Fylingdales performs an extraordinary role in helping to keep the UK, our allies and our servicemen and women safe.
“It was fascinating to learn more about the station's work, from missile warning and space surveillance to protecting our national security in ways that many people never see.
“What struck me most was that RAF Fylingdales is not simply a piece of critical national infrastructure. It is a community of highly skilled, dedicated people whose expertise is vital to our defence every single day.
“I was moved to hear how strongly Wing Commander Steward and his team view RAF Fylingdales as part of our local community. That commitment is clearly reflected in the work of the Family Hub in Whitby, and in the close relationships the station has built across the constituency.”
Reiterating her belief that national resilience must automatically be triggered when facilities such as RAF Fylingdales are at risk, Ms Hume added: “It was important to learn more about the response to last year's fire and to thank those who helped protect the site during an incredibly challenging period.
“When the flames came close, the focus was understandably on safeguarding critical infrastructure. Behind that infrastructure, though, are people carrying out a mission of national importance, who could not simply walk away because of the role they perform in keeping our country safe.
“The professionalism, courage and teamwork shown by everyone involved, from RAF personnel to the firefighters, local first responders and emergency services who protected the site, was truly outstanding.
“Our local community is proud of the work the people at RAF Fylingdales perform to keep us safe and the sacrifices they make on our behalf.
“I will continue to call for national resilience to be automatically activated when incidents such as wildfires place critical military infrastructure under threat.”