GOVERNMENT CONFIRMS NAVY CUTS IN SCOTLAND

GOVERNMENT CONFIRMS NAVY CUTS IN SCOTLAND

The UK Government has confirmed that it is to cut one of the few conventional vessels based in Scotland.

A parliamentary question by SNP Westminster leader and Defence spokesperson Angus Robertson MP has revealed that HMS Walney, one of the navy’s eight Sandown Class minehunters which are based in Faslane, is to be axed early this year. The mine hunters are the only conventional Royal Navy vessels based in Scotland.

Mr Robertson condemned the decision as further evidence of Labour defence cuts – which have already seen a £4.3 billion defence underspend in Scotland between 2002 and 2007, and more than 9,500 defence jobs lost in Scotland since Labour came to power.

Mr Robertson said:

“After recently announcing cuts to the Air Force in Scotland we now have confirmed cuts amongst the few conventional naval vessels based north of the border.

“This is yet another cut on top of the £4.3 billion defence underspend in Scotland over recent years, with more than 9,500 defence jobs lost in Scotland since Labour came to power.

“While Labour cuts the number of conventional ships in Scotland from 8 to 7 the Norwegian navy, in contrast, has a 70 strong conventional fleet.

“Downing Street keep making the wrong choices on cuts – whether it’s cutting vital manpower, aircraft and bases while blowing billions on a new generation of Trident nuclear weapons. These are the wrong choices and underline just how out of touch Labour is.”