Dambusters 80th Anniversary @RAF Scampton

Today marks the 80th anniversary of the Dambusters’ daring raids, an operation which shaped the outcome of WW2. The bravery of all of those involved safeguarded the democratic process and freedoms that our country prides itself upon today.

Scampton Holdings Limited (SHL) had the pleasure of attending the Scampton Parish Council community event this evening for a flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster. SHL continues to support the community and local authorities in working together to deliver the development plans for RAF Scampton.

As we look to the future, when the centenary of 617 squadron of the Royal Air Force is commemorated will we mark the occasion at RAF Scampton from a site that is blossoming with preserved heritage and bustling with visitors who have travelled here to honour those brave men and women who served, lived, loved and lost friends and family here? Will it be an economic landmark for Lincolnshire, one which immortalises the rich air history of our past by looking to the future of aerospace and satellite technology? Or will we look back on today with a depth of sadness at opportunities squandered.

RAF Scampton can once again bring communities and businesses together to fight for a better future. Our ￡300m development plans offer hope to a stagnant local economy, the prospect of jobs for local people, levelling up for Lincolnshire and the pledge to honour the rich historical significance of the site. Our politicians, few in number, owe it to the many people of this tight-knit community to deliver a future full of possibility. We urge this government to step away from their short-sighted approach and listen to the advice of senior Civil Servants, democratically elected local councillors and planning authorities to make sure that RAF Scampton does not become an ash heap of history.

The launch of Operation CHASTISE over enemy lines was a seminal moment in shaping the outcome of World War II. Today our country's leaders face another critical choice.?

Let there be full consideration of the reverberations of this government's actions, if the will of the local people is ignored, if democratic process is blindsided, if the needs of the local economy are downplayed, we will look to the skies in twenty years time, as Wing Commander Guy Gibson did on this day 80 years ago, and lament what could have been.?

The brave forces personnel of 617 Squadron took to the skies ready to make the ultimate sacrifice for this country. Today, our politicians must honour their duty to serve the will of the people with the same selfless passion, and ensure that RAF Scampton is preserved for generations to come.