SNP HIT OUT AT MOD PLAN TO AXE SCOTS INFANTRY UNIT

SNP HIT OUT AT MOD PLAN TO AXE SCOTS INFANTRY UNIT

SCOTLAND ALREADY ENDURED DECADE OF DEFENCE CUTS

SNP Westminster Leader and Defence Spokesperson, Angus Robertson MP, has
hit out at reports the MoD is planning to axe a Scottish infantry unit as
part of its efficiency saving program. Mr Robertson said that Scotland had
already endured a decade of defence cuts under Labour and warned that the
Tories risked making a sham of their respect agenda by making further
reductions.

Commenting, Mr Robertson said:

"Thirteen years of Labour Government saw Scotland's historic regiments
amalgamated and over 9500 defence jobs lost North of the Border. The
Conservative haste to wield the axe even further makes a sham of David
Cameron's respect agenda.

"Infantry units are already overstretched and underfunded in Afghanistan
and cutting manpower further will only make this situation even more
dangerous.

"Instead of reducing troop numbers and decimating Scotland's military
traditions, the Conservative Party should commit to scrapping Trident - an
abhorrent waste of money which does nothing to enhance national security."