SNP DEMAND ASSURANCES OVER CARRIERS CONTRACT

SNP DEMAND ASSURANCES OVER CARRIERS CONTRACT

MOD MUST INVEST IN ASSETS NOT TRIDENT

SNP Westminster Leader and Defence Spokesperson, Angus Robertson MP has written to Secretary of State for Defence, Bob Ainsworth, demanding immediate assurances that the contract for two aircraft carriers scheduled to begin construction in Scotland next week will not be endangered by reports of its increasing cost.

Sections of the carriers will be built at yards in Govan and Scotstoun on the Clyde. Both ships will be assembled at Rosyth.

Commenting, Mr Robertson said:

“This cloud of uncertainty cannot be allowed to hang over Scotland’s shipyards any longer.

“The industry in Scotland faced months of insecurity as the MoD dithered over the original contract to build these aircraft carriers – causing untold worry to the employees of these yards.

“These workers need immediate assurances from the MoD that the contracts will go ahead as planned.

“Scotland's shipyards are amongst the best in the world and will have planned ahead on the promise of this work from the MoD.

“The UK Government urgently needs to reconsider its defence procurement priorities. It is totally irresponsible to waste money on “a son of Trident” system when the construction of these carriers – which are not only an asset to the Armed Forces but an investment in Scottish industry – is cast in doubt.”