Wales MP "Scrap Red Arrows"

Steyr

Its seems Welsh MP's have a bit of a thing to say about the RAF these days, This guy is no different and has clearly done his homework on The Red's, The UK would probably save more by scrapping MP's..

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2010/08/10/scrap-9m-red-arrows-says-plaid-mp-91466-27030152/

Scrap £9m Red Arrows, says Plaid MP

Their astonishing aerobatics have formed the centrepiece of stately celebrations around the globe.

But that cuts no ice with a Carmarthenshire MP who wants the Red Arrows scrapped to save taxpayers millions of pounds.

The world-famous display team costs the UK government nearly £9m, which Plaid Cymru’s Jonathan Edwards said would be better spent on military forces.

He said the money, used to maintain the nine-strong flight squad, should be used for soldiers’ equipment instead.

“The question that Tory and Lib Dem MPs must ask themselves is: do they want money spent on a display team that offers no operational use, or do they want to provide the right equipment for soldiers under attack on the front line in what the Deputy Prime Minister himself characterises as an ‘illegal war’?

“If and when we manage to get through the recession the use of Red Arrows could naturally be re-examined.

“However, it would be naive when so many other public services are being cut, and the Welsh budget itself suffering around a £160m hit, that they are excluded from the debate.

“Personally, I think it is money that could be put to better use.”

Figures from the RAF obtained by Mr Edwards reveal the force spent £4.6m on pilots and technicians, £1.2m on aviation fuel, £400,000 on dye, and £2.6m on maintenance in 2009-10.

The display team, which last year celebrated its 45th birthday, took part in 82 UK displays, 12 overseas displays and two formal fly-pasts.

Aerobatic fans say the Red Arrows provide major inspiration for new RAF recruits and encourage major capital investment within communities.

Wales National Airshow takes place every other year, with the next one in July 2011.

Swansea Bay hosted the event in 2009 and attracted thousands of people from across Wales.

Gerald Cooper, of the British Aerobatic Association, said the Red Arrows helped plough millions of pounds into economies where major air shows were hosted.

“The Red Arrows are renowned throughout the world as ambassadors for both the Royal Air Force and the United Kingdom,” he said.

“Since the team was officially formed in 1965, the Red Arrows have completed over 4,000 displays in 53 countries.

“The team is inspirational to people and youngsters thinking about joining the air force. It shows discipline and dedication, and how anybody who puts their mind to it can achieve amazing things.”

He said that the Bournemouth Air Festival, at which the Red Arrows are headline performers, attracts thousands of visitors who all spend money at events.

“Hundreds of thousands of visitors throng to the area and its beaches and the reason they come is to see the headline act, the Red Arrows. That’s what they expect to see.

“Other nations have two or three similar teams and it would be a real shame if we were to lose the one we have.

“These shows bring huge capital injection on a seasonal basis to so many areas across the UK.

On its website the Red Arrows states: “Although the Red Arrows do not have a direct operational role, they contribute to a number of military tasks, including public duties and security co-operation, where they support defence diplomacy by demonstrating British excellence, strengthening international relations and promoting wider British influence and interests.”

Bridgend Red Arrows fan and former RAF Navigator Ian Cassely said the air displays attract thousands of tourists to events across the UK.

“I certainly think there is an argument that the Red Arrows are a tourist attraction who bring major investment and have role in flying the flag for the RAF,” he said.

“They often perform in shows in areas which ultimately buy defence hardware, so in a sense are an elite marketing tool.

“Although it is hard to justify expense on those grounds alone, they also provide huge inspiration in attracting new blood into the forces and flying the flag for Britain.

“I attended the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford last month, where over 150,000 people attended. The Red Arrows were the last to perform and the crowd stayed to see them.”

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said the future shape of armed forces was the subject of the strategic defence and security review, reporting in autumn.

Lapin

Politician pandering to a minority in the knowledge that his comments will get his name mentioned and generate some publicity for himself.

Oldest trick in the book. Call into question an institution with a place in the hearts of a nation and question the reasons for its existance. Don't forget to mention the recession.

He's not the first to call for the Reds to be disbanded and he won't be the last.

It happens during every silly season.

scudzilla

I'm Welsh and lived there all my life till 5 years ago.

Plaid Cymru are the biggest bunch of attention seeking pricks imaginable.

Is that all the Red Arrows cost? 9Mill? That's great value for money, they're an awesome recruitment tool and the happy face of the R.A.F.

I've seen them many times and there's nothing like the feelin in your stomach when they first fly over your head at an exhibition