Letter: Poor defence

The Scottish engineering sector is registering total disbelief that the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition could seriously consider cancelling the two aircraft carriers currently under construction at BAE Systems in Glasgow and Babcock in Rosyth (you report, 13 September).

Any such thoughts would confirm what has already been said - namely that Scotland has been written off by the Conservatives.

This situation has certainly not been helped by Scotland's First Minister, who made it perfectly clear when he took office that he was opposed to Ministry of Defence work being undertaken at Faslane on the Clyde. What kind of message was that to send to Westminster?

While Alex Salmond continues to jump up and down complaining about the threat to as many as 10,000 jobs in Scotland, does he not recognise that his anti- nuclear stance could put a similar number of jobs at risk at Faslane and beyond?

It is important that all Scottish politicians continue to let the world know that Scotland is open for business. When considering the possible action of politicians it is extremely dangerous to be complacent.

However, I agree with Clyde-based union convenor Jamie Webster when he says that we are too far down the road to consider stopping any of the aircraft carrier work.

DR PETER T HUGHES

Chief executive

Scottish Engineering

West George Street, Glasgow