Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

RAF Croughton Expansion: Diplomatic Implications

09 July 2020 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Andrea Leadsom Con South Northamptonshire

DefenceCommunity SecurityForeign Affairs

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Andrea Leadsom raised concerns about raf croughton expansion: diplomatic implications in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • RAF Croughton is set to undergo upgrades in communications equipment and development of a new entrance on the B4031 road.
  • The previous plans for significant expansion involving an increase of about 1300 US personnel have been reversed by the current US Administration.
  • Minister Luke Hall acknowledged the emotional significance of Harry Dunn's tragic death and assured Andrea Leadsom about the evaluation process for current proposals.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Andrea Leadsom Con South Northamptonshire

RAF Croughton, in Andrea Leadsom's constituency, was set for expansion with an increase of around 1300 US personnel from RAF Alconbury and Molesworth by the previous Secretary of State. However, following Harry Dunn's tragic death on August 27th, 2019, due to a driver unintentionally driving on the wrong side of the road, the base driver charged was able to return to America under diplomatic immunity. The MP emphasises the impact this has had on the local community and the need for justice for Harry Dunn's family. She outlines recent planning applications proposed by RAF Croughton and expresses concern over the potential risks these could pose to her constituents’ safety. Leadsom requests that the Secretary of State should call in all planning applications from the base, prevent expansion until this issue is resolved, and move the access point to the A43 for better road safety.

Other contributors (1)
  • Eleanor Laing Con Dagworth

    As Deputy Speaker, Eleanor Laing reminded Members of the sub judice rule regarding criminal charges against Anne Sacoolas and urged all participants to respect this resolution.

Government Response

Luke Hall

Minister Luke Hall congratulated Andrea Leadsom on securing the debate and acknowledged the emotional significance of Harry Dunn's tragic death. He clarified that there are no current plans for significant expansion at RAF Croughton as per previous US Administration plans which have been reversed. The minister detailed two current proposals: one to upgrade communications equipment, and another to develop a new entrance on the B4031 road. Hall reassured Leadsom about the process of evaluating these applications and highlighted the importance placed upon road safety in planning decisions. He noted that an independent environmental impact assessment will be conducted to inform future plans, and stressed that all concerns would receive unbiased treatment through the planning system. Additionally, he reiterated officials' commitment to addressing outstanding issues with cooperation from Whitehall, RAF Croughton, and local authorities.

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