MoD shoots down Holyrood's battle to block Trident

Published on Monday 10 November 2008 22:15

THE Ministry of Defence has issued a strongly worded put-down of Scottish Government attempts to block the renewal of the Trident nuclear deterrent.

In its submission to the Calman Commission, the MoD recognises escalating tensions between the Westminster government and the SNP administration at Holyrood, which opposes Trident.

In a slap-down of cross-party opposition to the renewal of Trident, stationed at the Clyde naval base, the MoD makes clear it will rebuff demands to move Trident.

It also hints at tensions between Holyrood and Westminster.

"Experience has shown that the majority of issues can be resolved through discussion and co-operation," the submission says.

"However, this becomes much more challenging in areas where the devolved administration in Scotland has views or policies at odds with those of the government.

"On 14 June, 2007, the Scottish Parliament passed a motion recognising that defence was reserved but opposing the government's decision to maintain the deterrent capability."

Scottish ministers have since set up a Scotland Without Nuclear Weapons working group that is looking at devolved laws, such as those on roads and planning, to see if it can remove the weapons "within the context of devolved responsibilities".

The working group has also looked at the economic impact of removing nuclear weapons and is exploring the implications of seeking observer status at meetings of the Non Proliferation Treaty and considering the licensing and regulatory regime for HMNB Clyde.

The MoD says: "The overriding priority is clearly to ensure that the defence of the nation is never put at risk."

The MoD also highlighted Scotland's economic reliance on defence jobs: 850 civilian posts and the defence of the UK national interest will be prioritised over objections to Trident's renewal, the MoD has warned.

"The impact of defence spending on Scottish industry is far-reaching, creating and sustaining large numbers of highly skilled jobs while enabling companies concerned to develop additional applications for export and civilian markets," it says.