SNP MSP for Cathcart, James Dornan, has slammed the UK Government over today’s announcement that the Territorial Army Centre in his constituency will be closed by the end of next year.
The local TA centre, which has been at the heart of the local community for decades, will relocate to another facility by ‘no later than December 2014’ according to the Ministry of Defence.
After hearing the news, Mr Dornan said:
“This is a huge blow for my constituency, which has been home to the TA Centre for as long as I can remember. It has been a solid part of the local community and a source of pride for many of my constituents.
“The wider impact of the reserve closures across Scotland are also of concern, as it seems that Scotland will see 18% of its Army and Navy reserve centres closed – more than twice Scotland’s population share. This only demonstrates why decisions about defence in Scotland should be taken here in Scotland, and not by Westminster politicians who want to cut defence in Scotland to the core.
“I intend to meet with those who will be affected by the centre closure at the earliest opportunity, and discuss with my constituents how we can best fight this closure to ensure that our TA centre remains at home here in Cathcart.”