TRIDENT: FINNIE CRITICISES UK GOV ADMISSION WORK HAS BEGUN
John Finnie, Justice spokesperson for the Scottish Greens and MSP for the Highlands and Islands, today criticised the UK Government for pressing ahead with renewal of the Trident nuclear weapons system after Defence Secretary Michael Fallon admitted that the missile tubes are already being built at Rosyth.
Mr Finnie urged investment instead in infrastructure and jobs to create a fairer, more sustainable economy with a managed transition for communities around the Trident submarine base at Faslane in Argyll and Bute.
John said:
“The final decision by the UK Parliament to commit to this £167billion programme is not due until next year, so these comments by the Defence Secretary show a complete lack of respect for democracy. Pressing ahead with weapons of indiscriminate slaughter shows how out of touch the Tory Government is with Scotland's wishes.
"Any investment should go towards a conventional security force appropriate for modern needs, and the creation of jobs in areas such as oil and gas decommissioning, offshore renewables, forestry and energy efficient housing. Scottish Greens want to see public money spent for the public good, not on outdated and irresponsible status symbols."
New parts for Trident subs already being built (Scottish Sun)
Jobs in Scotland's New Economy, report for Green MSPs