Humza Yousaf, Scotland's First Minister (Image: Getty)
Scotland would likely try to “piggyback” on UK capability despite the SNP’s commitment to remove nuclear weapons from its soil and launch its own independent armed forces, a defence expert has suggested.
A new consultation document published today by the Scottish Government, led by Humza Yousaf, set out a number of key objectives for an independent Scotland relating to what it referred to as “Scotland’s place in the world”.
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Among them were commitments to apply for membership of the United Nations, European Union and NATO as soon as possible; the establishment of new armed forces; and crucially, “the removal of nuclear weapons from Scotland in the safest and quickest manner possible after independence”.
However, naval expert Iain Ballantyne, the editor of Warships International Fleet Review, was sceptical, not least because it left a question mark over the future of HM Naval Base Clyde, commonly referred to as Faslane.
Mr Ballantyne, who is also the author of several books, told Express.co.uk: “The Scottish Navy would likely be similar to Ireland's - a few Offshore Patrol Vessels, but like the Irish it would likely struggle to fund and crew them, and so they would not put to sea much.
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HMS Vanguard sits in dock at Faslane Submarine base on the river Clyde in 2006 (Image: GETTY)
“It certainly could not on its own afford the infrastructure of Faslane/HMNB Clyde. Or keep Rosyth in work.”
He continued: “Perhaps they think they can lease out the Faslane base to the UK, or NATO?
“Just ban nuclear weapons there and still have UK forces in residence?
”I strongly suspect lease-back may be one of their ideas, to try and hang onto the jobs and piggyback on UK defence. To have their cake and eat it.”
Angus Robertson, Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture (Image: Getty)
It was also possible that a newly independent Scotland would be “keen to hang onto the RAF at its bases and also retain an active Arbroath (currently used by 45 Commando Royal Marines) - again a lease-back idea”, Mr Ballantyne suggested.
He added: “Without lease-back most bases would shut and the jobs with them would vanish.
“Certainly NATO highly values the firing ranges and exercise areas off Scotland, so that may make an independent Scotland appeal in a minor way to the Alliance.
“It would likely not contribute much else.”
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Submarines at HMNB Faslane (Image: Getty)
Introducing the proposals, Angus Robertson the Scottish Government's Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, struck a bullish note while attempting to pin Scotland’s woes on the UK’s decision to quit the European Union.
He said: “Scotland is already making a contribution on the world stage, where we can, to address global poverty, the climate and biodiversity crises and threats to human rights.
“But because we are not independent, Scotland has been forced into Brexit and contributing towards billions of pounds being spent on nuclear weapons.
"If Scotland had full participation in multilateral bodies such as the UN we could ensure our voice is heard on critical global issues, such as on the Israel-Gaza conflict.”
Full representation within associations like the UN and EU would also enable us to negotiate directly to become party to international treaties, conventions and agreements that “reflect Scotland’s values and ambitions as a good global citizen”, Mr Robertson declared.
He added: “These associations and the benefits they would bring, such as regained access to the world’s largest single market and freedom of movement within the EU, would also bring opportunities overseas and at home - helping to develop a competitive economy and support education, skills and jobs with our strengths in our culture and innovation industries, as well as renewable energy.
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“Our proposals also make clear that the armed forces of an independent Scotland, supported by a modern contract for personnel and strong support for veterans, would play their part to defend our national interests and contribute to global peace and security, given our strategic position in the North Atlantic.
“Ultimately, independence would enable Scotland to determine the kind of state it wants to be on the world stage.”
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A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: “People in Scotland want to see both of their governments working constructively together to deliver on their priorities - rather than debating the constitutional settlement.
“UK Defence supports more than 12,000 jobs in Scotland and more than ￡2 billion is spent annually with the local defence industry.
“Scotland is home to the Royal Navy’s Type 26 and Type 31 frigate building programmes, RAF Lossiemouth and the UK’s submarine fleet, with the nuclear deterrent protecting every person in the UK, every minute of the day. HMNB Clyde is one of the largest employment sites in Scotland.”
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