Letters / Defending the nation
With the SNP’s plans for defending an independent Scotland in the news recently, we should take a closer look at the consequences of breaking up the UK.
The jobs of thousands of people in Scotland depend on businesses based here winning defence contracts, whether it’s in the shipyards on the Clyde or companies across the country that are part of the huge supply chain.
Alex Salmond might be happy to put these jobs at risk because of his independence obsession, but for families who depend on these jobs it isn’t a price worth paying.
As part of the UK we get special treatment, which allows the UK government to award big contracts to companies based here.
If we were separated from the UK we would be a foreign country and would lose that huge advantage. Where is the sense in putting what we have at risk?
Defence is yet another area where it makes sense in an uncertain world to operate in the biggest possible national units within international alliances.
Smaller nations lose economies of scale and have little influence. The best way for Scotland to keep its impact and influence strong is to stay in the UK.
Yours sincerely,
Graham Johnston
Maurice Mullay
Theo Nicolson
For Better Together Shetland: Vote NO in the Scottish Referendum
Become a member of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider paying for membership to get additional features and services: -
- Remove non-local ads;
- Bookmark posts to read later;
- Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
- Hide membership messages;
- Comments open for discussion.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.
Already a member? Sign in to hide this message.
