7 Conclusion
184. The people of Scotland and the rest of the
UK deserve to be presented with as full a picture as possible
of the implications of Scottish independence for their future
defence and security. To date, the information published by both
the Scottish Government and UK Government falls far short of requirements.
185. In its forthcoming White Paper, in addition
to the specific questions asked earlier in this report, we believe
the Scottish Government should provide direct answers to the following
questions:
- How would a sovereign Scottish Government
ensure the defence and security of an independent Scotland?
- For what purposes would Scottish armed forces
be used?
- How would Scottish armed forces be structured
and trained, and where would they be based?
- How much would it cost to equip, support and
train an independent Scotland's armed forces and how much of this
could be procured and delivered domestically? and
- How many jobs in the defence sector would
be placed at risk?
186. Similarly, the UK Government must set out
more clearly the implications for the security of the remainder
of the United Kingdom should the people of Scotland choose the
path of separation. This should include greater detail about the
options for relocation of the strategic nuclear deterrent and
an estimate of the associated costs. The UK Government should
also outline its options for making good any defence deficit,
caused by loss of personnel, equipment and bases, which might
be created by Scottish independence.
|
