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The fate of the Tornado base in Norfolk is to be revealed by 19 July, a defence minister has told Norfolk MPs.

Six MPs from the county were given the assurance by the armed forces minister, Nick Harvey, after a meeting at the Ministry of Defence in London.

South West Norfolk Tory MP, Elizabeth Truss, said some uncertainty had been removed.

"Rumours have circulated for some time and people need certainty," she said.

"I believe RAF Marham is right economically and strategically to base the Tornado."

Norwich South Lib Dem MP Simon Wright said: "The previous decision in 2005 to base them at Lossiemouth is up for review because the type of jet that will be deployed is a slightly different variant to the one originally envisaged.

"We are encouraged after the minister gave us a few points to consider.

"There is scope to take this campaign further and make the case for RAF Marham's future."

Henry Bellingham, Conservative MP for North West Norfolk, said: "For every job the RAF provides at the base there are five linked in the community so the loss would have a huge economic impact."