SNP’s Trident opposition ‘puts national security at risk’

Saturday 15 June 2024

By Bill Heaney

The Scottish Conservatives will today condemn the SNP for “recklessly opposing” Trident, at a time when global instability means it’s more important than ever to have a nuclear deterrent.

Deputy leader Meghan Gallacher is focusing on defence during a campaign visit to Helensburgh – home to the Faslane naval base – where she will join Amanda Hampsey, the Scottish Conservative candidate for the target seat of Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber.

Meghan Gallacher, oictured right, who is also shadow secretary for the constitution and external affairs, argues that the SNP stance – which is supported by many Labour politicians – risks our national security.

She will also point out that ditching Trident would cost an estimated 11,000 jobs – many of them in this constituency, where only the Scottish Conservatives can beat the SNP on July 4.   

Scottish Conservative deputy leader Meghan Gallacher said: “The Scottish Conservatives are the only party truly committed to retaining our nuclear deterrent – along with the 11,000 jobs it supports in and around Faslane.

“Global security is as fragile today as it has been in decades, given Russia’s appalling invasion of Ukraine and the deepening conflict in the Middle East.

“Now, more than ever, we require the security of a nuclear deterrent, and yet the SNP recklessly oppose Trident, while many in Scottish Labour and in Keir Starmer’s front bench team – including his deputy, Angela Rayner – share their hostility.

“They would happily put our national security at risk and threaten livelihoods in Helensburgh and beyond.

“Constituents in Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber know that only our superb local candidate, Amanda Hampsey, will stand up for those whose jobs depend on Faslane. And, as in other key seats up and down Scotland, only the Scottish Conservatives can beat the SNP here.” 

• The number of jobs supported by Faslane is approximately 11,000 according to an independent report. Due to the direct involvement of military and civilian personnel which stood at around 6,500 at the time of the report, plus a further 4,000 jobs created through supply chains and the local economy, the total number of jobs supported by trident is around 11,000. This report was conducted before the UK Government announced that more personnel would be based at HMNB Clyde. (UK Defence Journal, 13 November 2019, link; UK Defence Journal, 15 December 2023, link).