A new policy paper by the Scottish Government outlines defense and security proposals for an independent Scotland as a full NATO member. The paper suggests a future force of 15,000 regulars and 5,000 reserves, emphasizing a voluntary transition from UK forces. However, concerns arise over the Scottish Government's stance on Faslane and nuclear weapons potentially complicating Scotland's NATO membership. Angus Robertson highlights the need for enhanced defense capabilities around Scotland and hints at independence as a solution. The SNP's position on signing an international treaty banning nuclear weapons post-independence has shifted, with Angus Robertson retracting earlier statements.
My argument is not that Scotland must have nuclear weapons to join NATO, it's that the alliance might not look favourablely on a country applying to join whilst causing extreme disruption to part of NATO's nuclear umbrella, on which the defence posture of the alliance is based. https://t.co/sHpmleUf9f
NEW: The SNP will not commit to signing an international treaty banning nuclear weapons post-independence. Nicola Sturgeon previously said Scotland would be 'keen' to sign the treaty, but Angus Robertson has now rowed back on the former first minister's comments. https://t.co/OvBnbfq2f1
Angus Robertson insisted the UK was not doing enough to defend the seas around Scotland - and suggested independence could change that. He said there were "real threats" and added: "That is why you're required to have the capacity to deal with them. The UK does not, we will."
An independent Scotland, NATO & nukes - The problem - The position of the Scottish Government regarding Faslane could make joining NATO very difficult, if not impossible. https://t.co/3x79QxBdvq
The SNP has claimed that removing Trident from Faslane would not prevent Scotland from joining NATO, but is that accurate? I don't believe so, and this thread explains why. https://t.co/3XIATiXyMy
The Scottish Government's paper on defence an an independent Scotland presents an initial ambition for a future force of 15,000 regulars and 5,000 reserves, with a focus on voluntary transition from UK forces. https://t.co/l9bIYBKvkx
'Nonsense!' Humza Yousaf slapped down for latest SNP independence paper 'full of contradictions' about Nato and EU https://t.co/gZ2xvlHiOM
New paper releasing on defence in an independent Scotland - A new policy paper – ‘An independent Scotland’s place in the world’, will set out the Scottish Government's proposals defence and security as a full NATO member. Click the image to read more. https://t.co/Oipwt5Zj0g