Scottish defence review needed now

SNP Westminster Leader and Defence Spokesperson, Angus Robertson MP said the UK Government's Green Paper on the Future of Defence Spending 'misses the point'.

 

Commenting on the paper's publication, Mr Robertson said:

 

“This Green Paper misses the very critical point that the Strategic Defence Review must take into account defence footprint and spending in the different nations and regions of the UK.

 

“The facts are clear: since Labour came to power over 10 000 MoD jobs have been lost in Scotland, and between 2002 and 2007, according to the MoD’s own figures, a massive £4.3bn under spend. 

 

“If the purpose of this Green Paper is to start a debate ahead of the Strategic Defence Review then Labour’s refusal to discuss scrapping Trident and to conduct a proper review of defence spending in Scotland are obvious omissions. 

 

“We don’t need more platitudes from the MoD but a full Scottish Defence Spending Review now. A recent SNP / YouGov poll showed a clear majority believe a review of defence in Scotland is needed. 

 

“This exercise should focus on the challenges our brave servicemen and women will face in the future – not the challenges Labour are facing in the run up to the election.”

 

Today’s publication comes as the Chilcot Inquiry heard more evidence from former chief civil servant at the Ministry of Defence, Sir Kevin Tebbit. Sir Kevin spoke of a "crisis period" when Mr Brown as Chancellor suddenly “guillotined” the MoD’s budget by £1bn six months after the Iraq invasion. 

 

Angus Robertson added:

 

“The Prime Minister will have serious questions to answer when he appears before the Iraq Inquiry. He should start by explaining why he slashing budgets in Whitehall whilst troops were being pushed to their limits on the front line.” 

 

Notes: 

 

A SNP / YouGov poll of 1204 Scottish adults, conducted between 30th September - 2nd October 2009 

 

A Scottish Strategic Defence Review should be set up to examine Scotland's defence priorities including the future of Scottish regiments

 

AGREE 63%

DISAGREE 23%

DK 14%