Defence Committee
Written evidence from Gabrielle Grace

I understand that you are about to hold an inquiry into the defence implications of possible Scottish independence. I would like you please to take regard of some implications for the Trident system.

You will be aware that strong 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—a move would cost billions. Furthermore there would be massive public opposition to any alternative site, even if one were to be identified.

It is not possible to justify this kind of expenditure when urgent measures for the health and wellbeing of citizens are being widely cut. Already the cost of Trident is the vast, yet it does nothing to combat the real threats to our security but rather promotes nuclear proliferation.

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

July 2012