Nato membership vital for security

THE Russian invasion of Ukraine has forced many European countries to reassess their defence policies.

The violent actions of Vladimir Putin have been a shocking reminder that wars can happen close to home.

Finland and Sweden have for decades chosen not to be members of Nato – the defence alliance forged between Western nations in the aftermath of World War II.

But the war in Ukraine means both countries are now eager to sign-up.

The UK is of course already a member of Nato as well as being one of the nine countries to possess nuclear weapons.

Some might argue it’s irrelevant – given the immediate issues faced by Ukraine – to speculate on the defence policy of an independent Scotland.

But the fact remains the Scottish Government is committed to holding a referendum.

So it’s up to the SNP and Scottish Greens to tell the public how independence would work – and how the country would defend itself.

Patrick Harvie argues an independent Scotland would not need to become a member of Nato.

It’s a position that simply doesn’t make sense given the carnage we are witnessing in Ukraine.

Even the SNP ditched its opposition to Nato as long ago as 2012.

The Greens co-leader is now a government minister and needs to face the reality of the dangerous world we are living in.

Ukraine has called to be allowed Nato membership. It’s a privilege the country understands as it fights for survival.

Nato membership is not something that Scotland’s leaders should be playing politics with – especially as Europe faces war on a scale not seen since 1945.