Defence Committee
Written evidence from John Meager

It is a realistic possibility that Scottish independence would give rise to a need to reappraise the role of the Faslane submarine base. Whilst there is strong local commitment, on employment grounds, to the retention of the Faslane facility, opinion more broadly in Scotland may well favour its closure.

In that event, what would be the UK Ministry of Defence’s position—and options?

Transferring nuclear facilities—submarine, weapons, and all the assorted infrastructure—to a more politically favourable venue, in England, presumably, would require a financial outlay of at least aircraft carrier proportions. Is this likely to happen or is our political elite generally hoping it will not happen? Is this a reason why all major UK political parties are pro-Union?

Whilst some remote spot like Barrow-in-Furness might suit—so near Sellafield, of course—the simpler and more straightforward choice in all this is to save the money big time, stop trying to pose on the world stage and just ditch the idea of replacing Trident completely.

July 2012