Secretary of State for Defence, Rt Hon Penny Mordaunt MP has accepted an invitation from Moray MP Douglas Ross to visit RAF Lossiemouth where preparations for the arrival of the new Poseidon maritime reconnaissance aircraft are in the final stages. The invitation came during Defence Questions in the House of Commons when the local MP was asking Ministers about the new Poseidon aircraft.

Commenting, Douglas said: “I was very pleased to be able to speak in the House of Commons to highlight the first of the new aircraft due for delivery at Lossiemouth in 2020 has now been painted with the RAF livery with more on the production line.

“I also took the opportunity to invite the Defence Secretary to Moray and to praise the companies who are constructing the new facility at the base. Robertson’s and Boeing have done outstanding work preparing the new Poseidon facility and while I’m delighted that there has been so much investment by the UK Government into Lossiemouth, I’m equally pleased that local companies benefit as well. The excellent work done by Robertson’s confirms they were the right company for this contract and its impressive to see the progress made in advance of the new P8As arriving in Moray next year.

“I thought it was a perfect time to this and I’m delighted the Secretary of State has said she will be happy to visit Lossiemouth which she considers is a vital asset for the MOD and the United Kingdom. I look forward to welcoming her on her visit to Moray.”