CROSS-PARTY CAMPAIGN CAN SAVE CARRIERS

For Immediate Use – Saturday 18 September 2010


Attn: NEWSDESKS
DEFENCE / POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS


Commenting on reported rifts between UK ministers and service chiefs
over Britain’s military priorities in today’s Financial Times
newspaper, SNP Westminster leader and Defence spokesperson Angus
Robertson MP welcomed indications that Defence Secretary Liam Fox is
proposing to continue with plans for the new aircraft carriers.


Mr Robertson said:


“The cross party co-operation and joint campaign in Scotland to
safeguard the future of these carriers is vital, and is what can make
the difference if we are going to maintain these jobs and skills on
the Clyde.


“In the days and weeks ahead, the parties in Scotland must keep
working together to ensure that the right decision is made on the
future of these contracts.


“The defence review is about choices, and it is clear that
conventional forces must come before continuing to waste billions on
weapons of mass destruction like Trident. Even the Financial Times has
now joined the ranks of those opposing the Trident renewal.


“As well as being strategically redundant, Trident is financially
unaffordable – putting an enormous squeeze on those necessary and
productive defence resources which support vital jobs and skills in
the Scottish economy.”


ENDS



Note:


Reports can be found in the Financial Times:
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/045dc02a-c29c-11df-956e-00144feab49a.html