Coalition accused of defence sector ‘fire sale’

THE SNP has accused the Coalition of a “massive fire sale” in the defence sector, selling off or destroying assets worth £17 billion in less than three years.

The party has secured a debate on the future of historic Scottish regiments this week, as it was claimed yesterday Prime Minister David Cameron had intervened personally to overturn a final merger that would have eradicated names such as the Black Watch and the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.

He was said to have been concerned such a move would boost t he Yes campaign in the forthcoming independence referendumand instructed Defence Secretary Philip Hammond to reconsider the plans.

Labour, Liberal Democrat and SNP MPS joined to form the Respect Our Regiments campaign, but the SNP insists this is part of a wider issue that has seen the percentage of British Army troops stationed in Scotland drop to less than 3%.

SNP Westminster leader Angus Robertson said: “We must have clear answers from the MOD over the future of the UK Government’s commitment to a defence footprint in Scotland – that means capabilities as well as cap badges.

“The MOD appears to be in the process of a massive fire sale, perhaps the biggest sell-off since demobilisation after the Second World War. In just three years they have sold off or junked in excess of £17bn on land, property and equipment.

Pete Wishart, SNP MP for Perth and North Perthshire, said the debate was “just as much an issue about boots on the ground as it is about traditions and identity”.