>When I look at some European states who are still so far from fulfilling their promise of spending 2 per cent of GDP on defence, I cannot help but see a worryingly false sense of security that some of my fellow independence supporters could be tempted to follow. Insulated by geography and far from the top of the list of hostile targets, it is easy to understand how some European states might feel able to “opt-out” of the conversation on European defence and shelter under the umbrella of their larger neighbours.
>Scotland, independent or not, must reject this path. I know that the Scottish Government recognises that our security and way of life is worth paying for – they should not be afraid to say so. We are lucky in Scotland to have a deeply rooted and flourishing defence sector which not only contributes in a meaningful and material way to the security of our northern European neighbourhood, and in Ukraine today, but which brings high-paid, well-skilled apprenticeships and jobs to communities across Scotland. As Europe now looks to ensure it is militarily equipped for the security challenges of today, the Scottish Government should ensure it is supporting our domestic defence sector – vital to Europe and Ukraine – with a strategic plan to help boost productivity and the labour force.
>I recognise that it may be unpalatable for some to endorse such a plan and it may come as a surprise to some that an SNP MP should make this argument. But the sea change taking place in capitals across Europe – being driven in large part by like-minded parties of the centre-left – cannot stop at Edinburgh or be expected to pause as we hope for independence.
Well said.
Interesting to hear this from an SNP MP.
From what I’ve seen there is still a very strong CND/military-averse inclination amongst most separatists.
Yeah, we should have our own aircraft carrier so we can defend the Middle East and its oil…
If independence was to be a reality , would Scotland pursue a Military or a Defence Force?
4 comments
>When I look at some European states who are still so far from fulfilling their promise of spending 2 per cent of GDP on defence, I cannot help but see a worryingly false sense of security that some of my fellow independence supporters could be tempted to follow. Insulated by geography and far from the top of the list of hostile targets, it is easy to understand how some European states might feel able to “opt-out” of the conversation on European defence and shelter under the umbrella of their larger neighbours.
>Scotland, independent or not, must reject this path. I know that the Scottish Government recognises that our security and way of life is worth paying for – they should not be afraid to say so. We are lucky in Scotland to have a deeply rooted and flourishing defence sector which not only contributes in a meaningful and material way to the security of our northern European neighbourhood, and in Ukraine today, but which brings high-paid, well-skilled apprenticeships and jobs to communities across Scotland. As Europe now looks to ensure it is militarily equipped for the security challenges of today, the Scottish Government should ensure it is supporting our domestic defence sector – vital to Europe and Ukraine – with a strategic plan to help boost productivity and the labour force.
>I recognise that it may be unpalatable for some to endorse such a plan and it may come as a surprise to some that an SNP MP should make this argument. But the sea change taking place in capitals across Europe – being driven in large part by like-minded parties of the centre-left – cannot stop at Edinburgh or be expected to pause as we hope for independence.
Well said.
Interesting to hear this from an SNP MP.
From what I’ve seen there is still a very strong CND/military-averse inclination amongst most separatists.
Yeah, we should have our own aircraft carrier so we can defend the Middle East and its oil…
If independence was to be a reality , would Scotland pursue a Military or a Defence Force?