Rishi Sunak at RAF Lossiemouth: Prime Minister praises Moray personnel's festive "sacrifice"
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PRIME Minister Rishi Sunak visited RAF Lossiemouth today (December 18), praising the "sacrifice" of personnel set to work through Christmas.
Congratulating them on their "round the clock" efforts, which have include battling Russian air aggression in Estonia, the Prime Minister also joined them for a cup of tea.
He also delivering a speech while surrounded by personnel, and emphasised that Scotland was essential to the UK's defence policy.
Mr Sunak also video-called some of those stationed abroad to wish them a happy Christmas.
Speaking during the visit, the Prime Minister said: "It was great to be here at RAF Lossiemouth to say thank you to our incredible armed forces for the job they do, working day and night, round the clock every day of the year to keep us all safe.
"And when we approach Christmas, most people are thinking about spending time with their friends and family.
"That won’t be true for many of those in the military who will be on duty and its because of their sacrifice that we are safer.
"Scotland in particular is an important part of our armed forces with 10,000 people stationed here, so it’s a real privilege for me to come and say thank you to them."
Ahead of the visit, using his column in today's Scotsman, Rishi Sunak argued that Scotland is "at the heart" of the UK's defence plan, adding that "defence spending here continues to grow too."
"When Russian bombers approached our airspace off Shetland back in August, the Quick Reaction Alert Typhoons at RAF Lossiemouth scrambled to see them off," he writes.
"They will be on duty at Christmas, just like every other day of the year.
Joining the Prime Minister at the base was Moray MP and Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross.
Mr Ross said having the chance to have Mr Sunak visit Moray's air base in the leadup to Christmas made for a "very timely opportunity".
“I was delighted to welcome the Prime Minister to RAF Lossiemouth and join him thanking servicemen and women ahead of Christmas," he said.
“Like the Prime Minister I am extremely grateful for the tireless work personnel at RAF Lossiemouth – and people throughout our Armed Forces – do all year round to defend us.
"As we approach the festive period, I am even more aware of the sacrifices they make as many will be on duty over Christmas, some abroad, rather than getting to spend time at home with their families.
“While most of us will be enjoying the festivities with our loved ones, those at RAF Lossiemouth and other military bases across the country will be working hard carrying out important work, to keep us and our allies safe.
“I am extremely proud to represent a constituency with such a significant military footprint with both RAF Lossiemouth and Kinloss Barracks.
“This was a very timely opportunity to wish them all the best and I grateful to the Prime Minister for making the time to come to Moray to give his personal thanks to those at RAF Lossiemouth.”
Taking to Facebook after the visit, an RAF Lossiemouth spokesperson said: "#TeamLossie welcomed the Prime Minister to the Station today, where he said thank you to everyone who works to keep our station operational – and defend the UK – all year round."
