Thu, Apr 12, 2007
Renowned Aerobatic Team Spared
British Prime Minister Tony
Blair has declared the future of the Red Arrows is safe -- after
weeks of speculation the Royal Air Force aerobatics team could be
disbanded.
Many were worried that the display team could be slashed as part
of Ministry of Defense (MoD) cutbacks. But in a written response to
an online petition, Blair said there were no plans to disband the
team.
"The government recognizes just what an important role the Red
Arrows play in our national life", said Blair. "I am pleased to be
able to give you good news. There are no plans to change the
funding for the Red Arrows, let alone to disband them."
"It is important, of course, that the MoD looks at the full
range of its spending plans as part of its routine financial
planning, to ensure that taxpayers' money is spent where our Armed
Forces most need it," the Prime Minister continued. "However, like
you, the government recognizes just what an important role the Red
Arrows play in our national life. As the world's premier aerobatic
team, they have thrilled millions of spectators over many
years."
Councillor Alan Caine, of West Lindsey District Council, said
the announcement was "good news".
"They are one of this country's greatest ambassadors, they go
all over the world," Caine told the BBC, adding he hoped the
squadron would stay at RAF Scampton. "I think they're fantastic and
that is appreciated generally but I do worry about them leaving
Lincolnshire and particularly West Lindsey."
Since the world-famous squadron was created in 1965, it has
completed more than 4,000 displays in 52 countries and draws on
pilots who have often been involved in overseas operations in war
zones such as Iraq and Afghanistan.
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