Defence debate

Published 24 Aug 2010 09:30

THE debate on whether the UK should have nuclear bombs as part of its defence strategy has been rehearsed many times.

This is a decision that will be taken solely by the UK Government.

Locally I suspect the majority of residents recognise that successive democratically elected UK Governments have supported nuclear warheads, got used to having them around but would happily see them removed if there was no impact on livelihoods or the economy.

Liberal Democrat MP, Alan Reid was elected on a promise to oppose Trident renewal.

However, he has put forward no ideas on how to maintain employment levels at Faslane if his Government adopts this policy. Labour MSP, Jackie Baillie has been a vociferous supporter of nuclear bombs since her election to the Scottish Parliament.

She has consistently undermined any future for Faslane should Trident not be renewed.

She claims, despite overwhelming evident to the contrary, that the UK Government should close Faslane should Trident not be renewed.

It may, for Faslane, come down to a choice between three replacement Trident type submarines or seven new Astute submarines.

It may be the two aircraft carriers to be built on the Clyde have to go to fund Trident.

It is difficult to see how such massive cuts to defence budgets will not adversely affect troops on the front line. At this stage the permutations are many and unpredictable.

It is simply wrong for these elected representatives to bet livelihoods, communities and a large part of our economy on the outcome they think best for their political careers.

The upcoming defence decisions will be a political decision by the UK Government that only a handful of people in Scotland will have any influence over.

Even if the decision is taken not to replace Trident, it may be many years in the future before the existing Trident subs are withdrawn from service, but the planning should start now for Faslane’s future.

It is time for both Jackie and Alan to put their constituents before their own political interests and accept that they should be working for a future for Faslane with or without nuclear bombs.

Councillor James Robb, Helensburgh

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This letter appeared in Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter 24 Aug 10

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