The Defence Committee, chaired by Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi MP, recently visited RAF Lossiemouth, Scotland’s sole main operating base for the Royal Air Force.
The visit provided the MPs with an opportunity to engage with personnel and receive vital defence briefings on the base’s operations and challenges.
In a tweet, Dhesi described the visit as “very informative, educational” and highlighted the importance of the base’s work in protecting the nation. He praised the efforts of the aviators stationed at Lossiemouth, saying it was a “privilege to meet the brave aviators who protect our skies, keep us all safe.”
Our @CommonsDefence had a very informative, educational visit to @RAFLossiemouth – the only #AirForce main operating base in #Scotland.
Privilege to meet the brave aviators who protect our skies, keep us all safe; and get defence briefings on issues vital to them and the nation. pic.twitter.com/1TBtG17SZJ
— Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi MP (@TanDhesi) January 18, 2025
The committee’s visit comes at a time of heightened focus on national security, with Lossiemouth playing a critical role in Quick Reaction Alert operations to intercept unidentified aircraft and in anti-submarine warfare using its Poseidon MRA1 maritime patrol aircraft.
By engaging with personnel on the ground, the Defence Committee aims to ensure parliamentary oversight and support for the needs of the Armed Forces, particularly those at key installations like RAF Lossiemouth.
What do they do?
The Defence Committee is appointed by the House of Commons to examine the expenditure, administration, and policy of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and its associated public bodies. The Committee, made up of eleven Members of Parliament, has the power to call for evidence, appoint specialist advisers, and establish sub-committees to aid its inquiries.
The Committee chooses its own subjects of inquiry, which can range from short, single-day evidence sessions to months-long investigations culminating in detailed reports to the House. Its work is vital in ensuring parliamentary oversight of the MoD and addressing issues that impact the nation’s security and Armed Forces.
