By Chris Ferguson

THE MOST important political blow in the campaign to save The Black Watch will be struck in the House of Commons next week by North Tayside MP Pete Wishart.

He will face Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon and demand he justifies plans to cut the Scottish Division, putting the future of The Black Watch and other regiments at risk.

Mr Wishart has secured a prized member’s debate, giving him 90 minutes of Commons time to quiz the minister on regimental reform and wider military cuts.

The MP said yesterday that this is Scotland’s one chance to put its case direct to the Secretary of State.

Mr Wishart said he wants to galvanise all-party opinion in advance of the debate and has urged all local MPs to participate in Wednesday’s 9.30 am showdown.

He said, “I am really surprised they have agreed to this debate. It must show they take this very seriously. This is a vital debate and this is regarded as the hottest topic in Scotland at the moment. I am glad that this fact has been recognised.”

Mr Wishart will open the debate by asking Mr Hoon to outline why he believes the regimental system is redundant.

He also expects his Perth colleague Annabelle Ewing to contribute in what is expected to be a combative but constructive exchange.

“I will also be looking at how many Labour members turn up and contribute and make encouraging contributions,” said Mr Wishart.

Wednesday’s debate is expected to attract a sizeable contingent of regimental campaigners, he added.

“I will be speaking to everyone involved in the regiments’ campaign and I hope they will be present at the debate. This is a big opportunity to save Scotland’s regiments. I will be tackling the Secretary of State himself on his plans to axe regiments and making their case to him.”

Mr Wishart added, “This is an ideal opportunity for all MPs to get behind the regiments campaign and I would challenge them all to oppose the Government plans.”

Jeff Duncan of the Save the Scottish Regiments Campaign said, “The campaign welcomes any debate that will properly address the whole question of the regiments.

“The majority of people recognise that this has been a thoroughly rushed job by the Ministry of Defence and the Government, who wish that this had all died down.

“Parliament has reconvened and the wall of noise that General Jackson described at the time of the announcement has become deafening.”

Mr Salmond, who, together with Angus MP Mike Weir met regimental campaigners, said, “Scottish regiments have provided the mainstay of the army for generations.

“Yet even today as they serve in Iraq, fighting Blair’s war, he is preparing to stab them in the back.

“The professionalism of the Scottish regiments is second to none and the skills and expertise that they have developed in operations across the globe invaluable. In a time of increased instability and insecurity, their skills are needed as never before.

“However just as the Tories before them, once in power the Labour Party is refusing to stand up for the Scottish regiments.”