Lord Robertson echoes Scottish Secretary's defence claims
The threat of independence means Scotland's defence industry is in a ''moment of uncertainty'', a former secretary general of NATO has claimed.
Lord Robertson.
- By David Clegg, political editor
- Published in the Courier : 18.11.11
- Published online : 18.11.11 @ 08.31am
The comments by Lord Robertson of Port Ellen echoed a warning made by Scottish Secretary Michael Moore during a visit to Rosyth dockyard in Fife earlier this week.
Lord Robertson, who was also defence secretary under Tony Blair, said: ''No wonder defence companies watch nervously as the debate over whether Scotland will remain part of the UK or becomes a separate country drifts on as the Scottish Government refuses to give clarity on the timing and nature of a separation referendum.''
But SNP MSP Bill Walker, whose Dunfermline constituency neighbours Rosyth, said defence should not be used as a ''political football''.
He said: ''When MPs are casually flinging around statements about investment they should remember the impact that has on a skilled workforce that could win any contract under any constitutional set-up.
''Regardless of the political situation, the skilled workers at Scotland's shipyards can and will continue to win contracts based on their ability.''
He added: ''Scotland's shipbuilders make some of the world's finest vessels and I would be very happy to discuss with Unite how we can ensure that such harmful phrases are not allowed to damage the industry.''
Mr Moore, a Liberal Democrat MP, had suggested (link) defence jobs based in Rosyth could be under threat in an independent Scotland.
Photo © David Cheskin/PA Archive
09.32am - 18.11.2011 jeff duncan - Dundee, Scotland Report This
In 1995, Robertson said that "Devolution will kill Nationalism stone dead" while he was Shadow Secretary of State - are we going to believe his fantasy now?
10.05am - 18.11.2011 Dek - Dundee, Scotland Report This
Lord Robertson once famously said that devolution would kill of separatism for good. Whils some claim that has shown not to be the case, it's interesting to see that supposrt for taking Scotland out of Britain remains only at around the 30% mark.
10.47am - 18.11.2011 Stuart Allan - Dundee, Scotland Report This
Why do Labour and the Lib Dems continue to put the Scottish economy at risk by this rampant, dishonest scaremongering? Shameless Party point scoring? In an independent Scotland, the Defence Force will be putting more work the way of Scottish shipyards than the UK MoD ever could under the Union.
11.49am - 18.11.2011 Alexander - Montrose, Angus Report This
The Unionists have no positive arguments in favor of the Union are reduced to negativity,and running Scotland down at every turn, poor show Lord Robertson.
10.05pm - 18.11.2011 Sam - Dundee, Scotland UK Report This
Does anyone really believe the English would place military orders with Scots yards when their own are struggling? Is anyone REALLY that gullible?
08.08pm - 19.11.2011 Oliver P. - fife, scotland Report This
.....In an independent Scotland, the Defence Force will be putting more work the way of Scottish shipyard.... excellent braveheart reply, just fantasy in reality.
07.58pm - 21.11.2011 Stuart Allan - Dundee, Scotland Report This
#Oliver; why fantasy? Is Scotland to be the only country in Europe not to have a military? Norway's navy is one of the most advanced in the world with 4 bases. Sweden's is also advanced with the stunning Visby class Corvette. Why would Scotland have nothing? Oh of course ... the Unionist cringe.
11.41am - 22.11.2011 Oliver P. - fife, scotland Report This
.....Stuart. You are comparing apples and oranges. Norway is an important member of Nato, and as such its commitments would obviously be far in excess of what you claim the non-Nato SDF would need. I'm surprised you haven't worked this one out.
08.18pm - 22.11.2011 Stuart Allan - Dundee, Scotland Report This
#Oliver; Sweden isn't in NATO yet it has a "Norway sized" navy as does Finland. According to your "logic" they shouldn't have. GERS gives Scotland £3bn to spend on defence. NATO member or not, that is plenty to give Scotland a "Norway sized" SDF and keep its defence industries busy.
11.11am - 23.11.2011 Oliver P. - fife, scotland Report This
.....Stuart. I didn't mention Sweden and Finland for a purpose - Finland and Sweden are playing an important role in the NATO-led ISAF operation in Afghanistan. A separate Scotland wouldn't be in NATO, so no such commitment, unless you can advise on SNP policy having changed?
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