SNP plans threaten thousands of MOD civilian jobs - Carmichael

2.49.39pm GMT Tue 29th Dec 2009

SNP plans to separate Scotland from the UK threaten 6,000 civilian jobs on military bases, figures obtained by the Liberal Democrats show.

According to answers to Parliamentary Questions, the MoD employs 5,500 full-time and 480 part time civilian staff on bases in Scotland.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Shadow Scotland Secretary, Alistair Carmichael said:

"The SNP's defence policy is a shambles. The idea that they can separate Scotland from the UK, yet somehow keep the large numbers of vital UK Government jobs is laughable.

"It is also curious that they seem to think that a supposedly 'independent' Scotland which will end up with a foreign currency - as the pound will become - and a vast number of foreign military bases on its soil is somehow desirable.

"The nationalists need to be honest with Scotland's people. Separation would mean the loss of thousands of public sector jobs."

Notes:

The figures - which include a regional breakdown - were received in response to a Parliamentary Question:

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmhansrd/cm091019/text/91019w0003.htm#0910197002116