Two more SNP cabinet secretaries have backed a proposal to reverse the party's long-standing opposition to Nato.
Finance Secretary John Swinney and Health Secretary Alex Neil join First Minister Alex Salmond and Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in supporting the U-turn, which could see an independent SNP-led Scotland remain in Nato if agreement is reached on the withdrawal of Trident.
They face opposition from eight backbench MSPs who have tabled an amendment to the motion to maintain opposition to the nuclear armed military alliance.
The issue will be debated at next month's SNP conference.
Mr Swinney said: "This excellent defence policy update guarantees the removal of Trident and proposes we should work with our neighbours and allies which is eminently sensible."
Mr Neil said: "Everyone is agreed an independent Scotland will not be home to Trident, but we should continue to work with Norway and other neighbours in Nato."
A recent opinion poll by YouGov showed 75% of respondents wished an independent Scotland to remain within Nato and 11% wanted to withdraw.
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