After Prime Minister David Cameron’s recent statement that he will seek a like-for-like replacement for the UK’s nuclear deterrent Trident after threats from Iran and North Korea, the Prime Minister today sought to strengthen the defence ties between Scotland and the rest of the UK during a visit to Glasgow.
According to Mr Cameron, the Trident programme remaining in Scotland will mean more jobs, while a continued nuclear presence in Scotland ensures that the entire UK remains safe against worldwide threats.
He said: “Defence matters. And defence jobs matter. Scotland has a world renowned and highly skilled defence sector that employs over 12,600 people and has annual sales in excess of £1.8 billion. It plays a key role in equipping and supporting the UK Armed Forces – from iconic industries like shipbuilding on the Clyde and Rosyth to cutting edge, high tech manufacturing.
“Being part of the UK opens doors for the Scottish defence industry around the globe. When we sell Typhoons overseas, this benefits jobs and growth for companies making components in Scotland.
“Scotland counts for more on the world stage because it is part of the United Kingdom and Scottish defence jobs are more secure as part of the United Kingdom.
“The business community tell me that they want certainty – and I want to offer that certainty by saying that I remain absolutely committed to the defence of the United Kingdom and to the future of defence jobs in Scotland.
“Defence matters. We are stronger and safer together.”
A central tenant of the SNP’s independence campaign is the removal of nuclear capabilities from Scotland’s doorstep, with defence spokesman Angus Robertson saying: “The (Scottish) parliament and 80% of the people of Scotland want to get rid of Trident, and the obscene waste of up to £100bn it represents at a time of austerity and savage welfare cuts from Westminster.”
Mr Cameron, however, argues that it would be ‘foolish’ to abandon Trident in the wake of recent demonstrations from North Korea.
