The Ministry of Defence has confirmed to Sir Edward Leigh, the Conservative MP for Gainsborough, that it has not yet had any discussions with private companies interested in securing the site of RAF Scampton for future development.

In response to a written parliamentary question from the local MP, defence procurement minister Jeremy Quin revealed that “no discussions have been held with any potential acquirors of the RAF Scampton site”.

The minister also confirmed that the MOD has been engaging with both West Lindsey District Council and Lincolnshire County Council over the future of the soon-to-be-decommissioned RAF base. 

Sir Edward Leigh said that the future of the site must be decided through an “open and transparent” process. 

“RAF Scampton is an important place in the history of our county and our country,” the MP said. “We need to make sure this history is respected when its defence role ends, but we also need to avoid errors made when the MOD disposed of other RAF bases. There are lessons to be learned and I am glad that West Lindsey as well as the county council are involved already.” 

In a previous statement, the Ministry of Defence said it expects RAF Scampton to close before the end of next year.