SIX LOSSIEMOUTH TYPHOONS are being reported as ready and waiting for the vote on if the UK should commence bombing missions against IS in Syria.
MP’s will debate the issue throughout today before taking a vote – with the SNP already indicating that they will oppose any moves to undertake bombing missions.
However, with the Labour party being allowed a free vote on the issue and as many as 50 of their MP’s indicating support for the government plans ahead of today’s debate, a call to the Moray base is looking increasingly likely.
According to several reports Lossiemouth-based Typhoons will join Tornado aircraft from RAF Marham in flying out to the RAF’s Cypriot base in Akrotiri as soon as the plan being put forward by Prime Minister David Cameron is approved. One theory being put forward is that the Typhoons could take over the current Tornado role over Iraq, freeing up these aircraft for bombing operations on Syria.
Mr Cameron is urging MP’s of all political parties to back his plan, which seeks to authorise air strikes in Syria but, crucially, includes an assurance that a political solution will be sought to end the civil war in Syria. Mr Cameron is also expected to say that there is no question of deploying ground troops to the region.
Should the government win the vote today, then Lossiemouth-based aircraft will be in the unusual position of flying missions as allies of Russia, France and the United States.
Speaking ahead of the debate today, David Cameron said: “This motion talks about the necessity of taking military action against IS in Syria as well as Iraq – but it is part of a broader strategy.
“It’s about politics and diplomacy and humanitarian aid, all of which we need to bring to bear to bring peace to Syria but to make sure we protect our national interest of fighting against this appalling terrorist organisation.”
Confirming that the SNP would vote against air strikes, party leader Nicola Sturgeon said that the decision was taken after a “careful assessment of the options”, adding that while the prime minister had made progress in convincing sceptics the SNP retained concerns over the lack of reliable ground troops and the need for post-conflict reconstruction of Syria.