16 December 2009

Rhoda Grant Highlands and Islands regional Labour MSP commented, "I understand the need to rebalance the Defence budget in order to fund support to those on the frontline in Afghanistan and allow more helicopters to be tasked to support our troops.

"Concerns were raised over the future of RAF Kinloss and I am pleased that this is now secure.

"There may be an impact on the base due to the logistics of the withdrawal of the older Nimrods and the later introduction of the newer version, but this will be temporary and the base will continue to be an important part of the UK's overall defence system.

"Any changes of course cause uncertainty and my colleagues and I will be writing the Secretary of State to ask for reassurance and information for staff employed at the base.

"The SNP position on defence for Scotland now looks increasingly nonsensical – they want Scotland separate and out of NATO.

"Their assertion that Scotland is under-funded on defence is ridiculous, especially as their chaotic defence policy and desire for separation would mean no carriers, no jobs, no yards, no NATO, no RAF bases in Scotland.

"This would have a horrendous economic impact on Moray.

"The SNP have never said how they would provide Scotland with defence cover, protecting it from terrorists and other threats.

"My colleague, Peter Peacock, has repeatedly asked the SNP these questions, and is yet to receive an answer."