A Tornado GR4 taking off at RAF Marham. PICTURE: Ian Burt.

The decision over the future of RAF Marham could be delayed until summer, it emerged last night.

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An announcement was expected within weeks over whether the RAF’s Tornado fleet would be based in Scotland or Norfolk.

The aircraft, which are currently based at Lossiemouth, Leuchars and Marham, are expected to be re-located to a single base.

But in a debate on the future of the Army yesterday, Armed Forces Minister Nick Harvey told MPs: “I have been asked about the timetable for a decision.

“I can only repeat that it is more important to get things right than to do them at breakneck speed.

“A detailed study is taking place of the entire defence estate and the ramifications of bringing nearly 20,000 personnel back from Germany.

“That work is going on at the moment, and it will take a few more months. In any event, we anticipate that decisions and announcements will be made before the summer recess, which is the approximate time frame for the decision.”

South West Norfolk MP Elizabeth Truss said: “I feel the uncertainty is still unhelpful to all the service personnel and local community but I am pleased that the whole process is being giving careful consideration.

“By delaying any announcements, this will hopefully mean that decisions will be based purely on economic and military capabilities, and not politics.”

The fight to save Marham united politicians, businesses and communities across Norfolk.

In November, a Make it Marham delegation travelled to 10 Downing Street to deliver a petition with nearly 37,000 signatures.