News Release

17th January 2007

FUTURE OF COSFORD

Commenting on the Defence Secretary's Statement to the House of Commons today on the Defence Training Review, Michael Fabricant says: "While I am bitterly disappointed that training will be withdrawn from Cosford, I am reassured that Des Browne has stated that there are no immediate plans to close the site and that a military presence will remain there for the time being. We do not know how large that presence will be nor how many job losses will arise from these changes; I shall be seeking answers to these questions. I am particularly concerned to ensure that the Staffordshire Air Ambulance and police training exercises can continue there. I will be monitoring developments closely over the coming years."

Photograph shows Michael Fabricant (right) emerging from a fire bomb at a riot control exercise in Cosford back in 2004 with the Staffordshire Police.