Defence Committee
Written evidence from Lyn Brayshaw and Andy Mackenzie

I am writing as I would like to make sure you are aware of the implications for Trident, while the Defence Committee is about to hold a new inquiry into the Defence implications of possible Scottish independence.

I believe that Scottish opposition to Trident remaining at Faslane will cause near insuperable difficulties. It would be virtually impossible to move the nuclear submarines to an alternative base, given the economic and political realities of today (although it might theoretically be possible for a government which had deep pockets and with nuclear weapons at the top of their agenda).

There would be massive public opposition to any alternative site. Even were one to be identified a move would cost billions. Such expenditure can not be justified on top of the vast existing cost of a weapon that does nothing to face real threats to our security and which promotes nuclear proliferation—especially when urgent measures for the health and wellbeing of citizens are being widely cut.

The consequences of Scottish independence are thus an additional reason to make plans to phase out Trident instead of replacing it.

July 2012