MSP Gibson challenges Fortress Scotland proposal

Chief Scottish Political Correspondent

Friday 28 September 2012

THE debate over defence policy at next month's SNP conference is set to extend beyond Nato membership to a broader attack on proposals dubbed "Fortress Scotland".

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ROBBIE DINWOODIE CHIEF SCOTTISH POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT

Caithness, Sutherland and Ross MSP Rob Gibson is calling not only for the party to stick with its existing policy to leave Nato, but is also challenging the proposal that he said would see an independent Scotland spend more than comparable countries in Scandinavia.

But it was claimed last night Mr Gibson was mixing up the proposed defence budget of an independent Scotland, of £2.5 bil- lion , with a proposed GDP share of 1.7% which was closer to Scandinavian levels.Mr Gibson, an active CND member, argues that remaining in Nato would mean the country continuing as a "war games playground" and "Fortress Scotland".Mr Gibson told The Herald: "What role would Scotland play in the Nato alliance? Would we continue to be Nato's war games playground? Is this connected to a continued role as Fortress Scotland as we experience it today, but without nuclear weapons?"Angus Robertson's policy proposals, already backed by both the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, were boosted this week by the public support of two other senior Cabinet members, John Swinney and Alex Neil.Writing in The Herald recently, Mr Robertson stressed: "The conference will be watched by voters in Scotland, observers from the rest of the UK and further afield. It will make an important impression about the kind of nation a sovereign Scotland can be domestically and also how we will work with our neighbours and friends."He added: "Like many I joined the SNP because I am an internationalist and want to see Scotland play its part in the world. I also joined because I want to rid Scotland of nuclear weapons."The motion before the SNP conference aims to fulfil both these ambitions and Scotland will only remain within Nato if agreement is reached to withdraw Trident. It also sends a strong international message that we are getting ready for independence."However, Mr Gibson pointed to what he called "awkward facts that must not be ignored", citing an end to the country being used as a huge low flying zone, an end to live naval firing, avoiding MoD objections to offshore renew-ables projects, and the risk of nuclear accidents.

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MSP Gibson challenges Fortress Scotland proposal

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