AN independent Scotland could struggle to mount "credible" air defences under SNP plans, according to a hard-hitting report by MPs today.

 

The Commons Defence Select Committee warns that a proposed £2.5 billion budget would not be enough to buy equipment such as fast jets and submarines and fund a Scottish defence force.

Its report also says that independence would cause "significant" jobs losses at Faslane and see at least one of Scotland's shipyards close.

But it is also critical of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for refusing to draw up contingency plans ahead of next year's independence vote.

Last night Scottish ministers hit back, accusing MPs of ignoring "key evidence" about how its defence plans would work.

The report highlighted evidence from Scottish veterans minister Keith Brown earlier this year that a future independent Scotland might not use advanced fighter jet Typhoons.

The MPs warn "in view of the costs associated with acquiring different air defence aircraft from those the UK currently operates, we do not currently understand how the Scottish Government expects, within the available budget, to mount a credible air defence - let alone provide the additional transport, rotary wing and other support aircraft an air force would need".

MPs also say there are "serious doubts" over the SNP's plan to buy submarines, saying this could be achieved only "at considerable cost and risk".

They warn is "unlikely" that the MoD would agree to train Scottish personnel in high enough numbers.

Overall, MPs say they are "unconvinced" that SNP's defence budget is enough to support both the proposed Scottish forces and buy equipment.

The report also warns that a conventional naval base and Joint Force Headquarters at Faslane and Coulport would employ "considerably fewer people than the current workforce of 6500".

Under independence Scottish shipyards would lose out on UK Government deals and the work generated by a Scottish Navy "would barely provide enough work for a single yard", the report adds. MPs say the SNP plan to negotiate NATO membership in 18 to 24 months is "optimistic".

The committee also calls on the MoD to undertake contingency planning before the referendum.

Ministers should also carry out preparatory work to inform their negotiating position in the event of a 'Yes' vote.

The report draws a distinction between this preparation and "pre-negotiation" which UK ministers consistently reject.

MPs want the MoD to explain how it would manage the loss of personnel, equipment, bases, training facilities and industrial capacity in an independent Scotland, and to make a statement serving personnel would be able to "choose whether to remain in the UK Armed Forces or to transfer to a Scottish defence force".