Defence

This article features the death of another Red Arrow pilot – it explains: “The RAF has halted all non-essential flying of fast jets equipped with a specific type of ejector seatafter the accident on Tuesday that killed a Red Arrows pilot. The temporary ban affects all Tornado ground attack aircraft and the fleet of Hawk T1s used by the Red Arrows aerobatic team.”

This is horrendous news. I live within 5 miles of RAF Scampton and I was probably driving past the base when it took place. It reminds us that even the most glamorous jobs are dangerous. I was touched by the masses of flora tributes outside the base when the first pilot died and as a tenant of Lincoln Cathedral found myself – without any sense of irritation – trapped inside my parking space because of the densely packed numbers at his memorial service in the Cathedral.

What this story really brings out for me is the deep and enduing connection between the defence industry and ruralEnglandas the long term host and historical context for much of the work of the armed forces. Most readers will recall that Scampton’s former role, long before the red arrows was as host to the Dambusters.  The economic significance of defence to many rural places is often overlooked or poorly understood by policy makers. InLincolnshirewe have the awful legacy of the very poor way the RAF has disposed of many of its former base houses, causing significant social housing problems in a number of very rural locations.

In remembrance week it is not the time to get into too deep a dialogue about these issues and we should instead think about this pilot along with all those who have given their lives in a greater cause. At some stage soon however it will be time to return to the complex and difficult theme of the impact and relationship of the army, navy and air-force with rural communities inEngland.