:00:01. > :00:10.open 24 hours and calls are free from a land line. Mobile operators
:00:10. > :00:12.will charge. will charge.
:00:12. > :00:13.will charge. Tonight on Newsnight Scotland: 600
:00:14. > :00:16.Tonight on Newsnight Scotland: 600 Tonight on Newsnight Scotland: 600
:00:16. > :00:16.more soldiers will be coming to more soldiers will be coming to
:00:16. > :00:19.more soldiers will be coming to bases here, that is thousands fewer
:00:19. > :00:20.bases here, that is thousands fewer bases here, that is thousands fewer
:00:20. > :00:23.than expected. Our labour and the than expected. Our labour and the
:00:23. > :00:24.than expected. Our labour and the SNP right to shout betrayal? What
:00:24. > :00:25.SNP right to shout betrayal? What SNP right to shout betrayal? What
:00:25. > :00:28.are her the consequences of having are her the consequences of having
:00:28. > :00:29.a smaller army? a smaller army?
:00:29. > :00:30.a smaller army? Two years ago the UK government
:00:30. > :00:32.Two years ago the UK government Two years ago the UK government
:00:32. > :00:37.Two years ago the UK government announced a plan to read apply the
:00:37. > :00:38.announced a plan to read apply the announced a plan to read apply the
:00:38. > :00:41.armed forces. At Kinloss and armed forces. At Kinloss and
:00:41. > :00:43.armed forces. At Kinloss and Leuchars they were supposed to see
:00:43. > :00:45.Leuchars they were supposed to see Leuchars they were supposed to see
:00:45. > :00:47.large numbers of soldiers returning large numbers of soldiers returning
:00:47. > :00:48.large numbers of soldiers returning from overseas. Scotland is still to
:00:48. > :00:50.from overseas. Scotland is still to from overseas. Scotland is still to
:00:50. > :00:57.see additional troops, but it is see additional troops, but it is
:00:57. > :00:59.see additional troops, but it is far fewer than originally expected.
:00:59. > :01:01.far fewer than originally expected. far fewer than originally expected.
:01:01. > :01:02.British troops have been stationed British troops have been stationed
:01:02. > :01:03.British troops have been stationed British troops have been stationed
:01:03. > :01:03.in Germany since the end of World in Germany since the end of World
:01:03. > :01:06.in Germany since the end of World War II, but changing times and
:01:06. > :01:07.War II, but changing times and War II, but changing times and
:01:07. > :01:08.shrinking balance sheets means that shrinking balance sheets means that
:01:08. > :01:09.shrinking balance sheets means that shrinking balance sheets means that
:01:09. > :01:11.after 60 years the wheels are in after 60 years the wheels are in
:01:11. > :01:14.after 60 years the wheels are in motion for a full-scale withdrawal.
:01:14. > :01:15.motion for a full-scale withdrawal. motion for a full-scale withdrawal.
:01:15. > :01:17.Today, the intention was signalled Today, the intention was signalled
:01:17. > :01:18.Today, the intention was signalled Today, the intention was signalled
:01:18. > :01:19.to pick up the pace. 11,000 back in to pick up the pace. 11,000 back in
:01:19. > :01:22.to pick up the pace. 11,000 back in to pick up the pace. 11,000 back in
:01:22. > :01:26.to pick up the pace. 11,000 back in the UK by the end of 2016, but the
:01:26. > :01:28.the UK by the end of 2016, but the the UK by the end of 2016, but the
:01:29. > :01:30.remaining 4,500 and returning by remaining 4,500 and returning by
:01:30. > :01:31.remaining 4,500 and returning by remaining 4,500 and returning by
:01:31. > :01:34.2019. We look at what the plans 2019. We look at what the plans
:01:34. > :01:35.2019. We look at what the plans been for Scotland. The measured
:01:35. > :01:42.been for Scotland. The measured been for Scotland. The measured
:01:42. > :01:44.announce today will see an increase announce today will see an increase
:01:44. > :01:45.announce today will see an increase announce today will see an increase
:01:45. > :01:47.in the number of forms forces nor in the number of forms forces nor
:01:47. > :01:50.in the number of forms forces nor in the number of forms forces nor
:01:50. > :01:51.that the border. Even as the armed that the border. Even as the armed
:01:51. > :01:52.that the border. Even as the armed that the border. Even as the armed
:01:52. > :01:55.forces reduce in says -- in size by forces reduce in says -- in size by
:01:55. > :01:57.17 % or overall. 17 % or overall.
:01:57. > :02:01.17 % or overall. The Ministry of Defence promised
:02:01. > :02:02.The Ministry of Defence promised The Ministry of Defence promised
:02:02. > :02:04.long-term stability. As for the long-term stability. As for the
:02:04. > :02:05.long-term stability. As for the original plans put forward by his
:02:05. > :02:08.original plans put forward by his predecessor, the Defence Secretary
:02:09. > :02:09.predecessor, the Defence Secretary predecessor, the Defence Secretary
:02:09. > :02:11.says that they have been refined. says that they have been refined.
:02:11. > :02:13.says that they have been refined. says that they have been refined.
:02:13. > :02:15.Two years ago, in the face a Two years ago, in the face a
:02:15. > :02:16.Two years ago, in the face a controversy about RAF cuts, Liam
:02:16. > :02:17.controversy about RAF cuts, Liam controversy about RAF cuts, Liam
:02:17. > :02:19.Fox spoke about an increasing Fox spoke about an increasing
:02:19. > :02:20.Fox spoke about an increasing defence footprint. More than 6,000
:02:20. > :02:20.defence footprint. More than 6,000 defence footprint. More than 6,000
:02:20. > :02:23.army troops would be based in army troops would be based in
:02:23. > :02:24.army troops would be based in Scotland he said at the time.
:02:24. > :02:25.Scotland he said at the time. Scotland he said at the time.
:02:25. > :02:28.Today's announced in pigs that Today's announced in pigs that
:02:28. > :02:29.Today's announced in pigs that Today's announced in pigs that
:02:29. > :02:31.figure at around 4,000. The army is figure at around 4,000. The army is
:02:31. > :02:32.figure at around 4,000. The army is getting a smaller, and with 2004
:02:32. > :02:34.getting a smaller, and with 2004 getting a smaller, and with 2004
:02:34. > :02:36.people being based in Scotland, we people being based in Scotland, we
:02:36. > :02:37.people being based in Scotland, we people being based in Scotland, we
:02:37. > :02:39.have reduced the army by 10,000 or have reduced the army by 10,000 or
:02:39. > :02:40.have reduced the army by 10,000 or 12,000. You would expect there to
:02:40. > :02:41.12,000. You would expect there to 12,000. You would expect there to
:02:41. > :02:43.12,000. You would expect there to be fewer based in Scotland. We are
:02:43. > :02:44.be fewer based in Scotland. We are be fewer based in Scotland. We are
:02:44. > :02:46.be fewer based in Scotland. We are still having a not left in army
:02:46. > :02:47.still having a not left in army still having a not left in army
:02:47. > :02:48.numbers in Scotland by 800. The numbers in Scotland by 800. The
:02:48. > :02:49.numbers in Scotland by 800. The numbers are going up in Scotland,
:02:49. > :02:51.numbers are going up in Scotland, numbers are going up in Scotland,
:02:51. > :02:53.numbers are going up in Scotland, which is great and I think is right.
:02:53. > :02:53.which is great and I think is right. which is great and I think is right.
:02:54. > :03:02.But that argument was given short But that argument was given short
:03:02. > :03:04.But that argument was given short shrift on that opposition benches.
:03:04. > :03:04.shrift on that opposition benches. shrift on that opposition benches.
:03:04. > :03:06.Where there is positive news, Where there is positive news,
:03:06. > :03:06.Where there is positive news, previous pledge of thousands of
:03:06. > :03:07.previous pledge of thousands of previous pledge of thousands of
:03:07. > :03:08.previous pledge of thousands of plan
:03:08. > :03:09.more troops for Scotland has been a more troops for Scotland has been a
:03:09. > :03:10.more troops for Scotland has been a plan for just hundreds. This is a
:03:10. > :03:11.plan for just hundreds. This is a plan for just hundreds. This is a
:03:11. > :03:16.plan for just hundreds. This is a real blow to Scotland and will not
:03:16. > :03:17.be forgotten. be forgotten.
:03:17. > :03:19.be forgotten. The Ministry of Defence's plan
:03:19. > :03:21.The Ministry of Defence's plan The Ministry of Defence's plan
:03:21. > :03:24.revolves around seven UK hops, two revolves around seven UK hops, two
:03:24. > :03:26.revolves around seven UK hops, two revolves around seven UK hops, two
:03:26. > :03:27.of which are in Scotland. -- UK of which are in Scotland. -- UK
:03:27. > :03:30.of which are in Scotland. -- UK bases. 1,200 air force personnel
:03:30. > :03:32.bases. 1,200 air force personnel bases. 1,200 air force personnel
:03:32. > :03:33.will be replaced by around 850 will be replaced by around 850
:03:33. > :03:35.will be replaced by around 850 soldiers, bringing to an end more
:03:35. > :03:35.soldiers, bringing to an end more soldiers, bringing to an end more
:03:36. > :03:37.soldiers, bringing to an end more than 100 years of radiation at the
:03:37. > :03:38.than 100 years of radiation at the than 100 years of radiation at the
:03:38. > :03:43.than 100 years of radiation at the RAF base. A big change for the Fife
:03:43. > :03:44.RAF base. A big change for the Fife RAF base. A big change for the Fife
:03:44. > :03:45.RAF base. A big change for the Fife town. -- Aviation. We are going to
:03:45. > :03:47.town. -- Aviation. We are going to town. -- Aviation. We are going to
:03:47. > :03:48.have to relocate the children again, have to relocate the children again,
:03:48. > :03:49.have to relocate the children again, possibly next year or the year
:03:49. > :03:50.possibly next year or the year possibly next year or the year
:03:50. > :03:51.possibly next year or the year after. There will only be won the
:03:51. > :03:52.after. There will only be won the after. There will only be won the
:03:52. > :03:54.Air Force Base in all Scotland, Air Force Base in all Scotland,
:03:54. > :03:54.Air Force Base in all Scotland, that is quite disappointing and I
:03:54. > :03:55.that is quite disappointing and I that is quite disappointing and I
:03:55. > :03:56.that is quite disappointing and I do not think it is very fair that
:03:56. > :03:59.do not think it is very fair that do not think it is very fair that
:03:59. > :04:01.do not think it is very fair that army are getting a lovely new base,
:04:01. > :04:03.army are getting a lovely new base, army are getting a lovely new base,
:04:03. > :04:05.with a lovely new community centre. with a lovely new community centre.
:04:05. > :04:08.with a lovely new community centre. Do military map around Edinburgh is
:04:08. > :04:18.Do military map around Edinburgh is Do military map around Edinburgh is
:04:18. > :04:32.
:04:32. > :04:34.We have got some good quality We have got some good quality
:04:34. > :04:34.barracks and accommodation in barracks and accommodation in
:04:34. > :04:35.barracks and accommodation in barracks and accommodation in
:04:35. > :04:37.Scotland. We want to make more of Scotland. We want to make more of
:04:37. > :04:38.Scotland. We want to make more of Scotland. We want to make more of
:04:38. > :04:38.these so that there will be some these so that there will be some
:04:38. > :04:40.these so that there will be some refurbishments. We are putting a
:04:40. > :04:41.refurbishments. We are putting a refurbishments. We are putting a
:04:41. > :04:43.three-figure sum in place to be three-figure sum in place to be
:04:43. > :04:44.three-figure sum in place to be three-figure sum in place to be
:04:44. > :04:45.able to do that. We want families able to do that. We want families
:04:45. > :04:47.able to do that. We want families to be looked after properly when
:04:47. > :04:51.to be looked after properly when to be looked after properly when
:04:51. > :04:53.servicemen and women are a way. servicemen and women are a way.
:04:53. > :04:54.But some characterise today's But some characterise today's
:04:54. > :04:55.But some characterise today's announcement as a betrayal. Were
:04:55. > :04:57.announcement as a betrayal. Were announcement as a betrayal. Were
:04:57. > :04:58.announcement as a betrayal. Were going to see and the barracks and
:04:58. > :04:59.going to see and the barracks and going to see and the barracks and
:04:59. > :04:59.new training theory and the new training theory and the
:04:59. > :05:00.new training theory and the Secretary of State for Defence has
:05:00. > :05:01.Secretary of State for Defence has Secretary of State for Defence has
:05:01. > :05:02.Secretary of State for Defence has said that he is going back on every
:05:02. > :05:03.said that he is going back on every said that he is going back on every
:05:03. > :05:06.said that he is going back on every one of these promises. I think that
:05:06. > :05:07.one of these promises. I think that one of these promises. I think that
:05:07. > :05:09.one of these promises. I think that that is bad. The SNP say that the
:05:09. > :05:11.that is bad. The SNP say that the independence referendum offers
:05:11. > :05:13.independence referendum offers independence referendum offers
:05:13. > :05:14.voters in Scotland an alternative. voters in Scotland an alternative.
:05:14. > :05:16.voters in Scotland an alternative. Defence will feature in the debate,
:05:16. > :05:18.Defence will feature in the debate, Defence will feature in the debate,
:05:18. > :05:19.but just how important will become but just how important will become
:05:19. > :05:20.but just how important will become but just how important will become
:05:20. > :05:21.clear next autumn when the bulk of clear next autumn when the bulk of
:05:21. > :05:31.clear next autumn when the bulk of clear next autumn when the bulk of
:05:31. > :05:34.
:05:34. > :05:35.I'm joined now from London by the I'm joined now from London by the
:05:35. > :05:36.Oxford University authority on Oxford University authority on
:05:36. > :05:41.Oxford University authority on matters military, Professor Sir Hew
:05:41. > :05:42.matters military, Professor Sir Hew matters military, Professor Sir Hew
:05:42. > :05:44.Strachan. Why have we still got Strachan. Why have we still got
:05:44. > :05:45.troops in Germany? troops in Germany?
:05:45. > :05:46.troops in Germany? troops in Germany?
:05:46. > :05:48.troops in Germany? By at was a legacy from the end of
:05:48. > :05:49.By at was a legacy from the end of By at was a legacy from the end of
:05:49. > :05:50.By at was a legacy from the end of the Cold War, before the colt work,
:05:50. > :05:53.the Cold War, before the colt work, the Cold War, before the colt work,
:05:53. > :05:55.the Cold War, before the colt work, the end of the Second World War.
:05:55. > :05:58.the end of the Second World War. the end of the Second World War.
:05:58. > :05:59.The Germans had been very The Germans had been very
:05:59. > :06:00.The Germans had been very accommodating. I can see maybe for
:06:00. > :06:01.accommodating. I can see maybe for accommodating. I can see maybe for
:06:01. > :06:02.accommodating. I can see maybe for 10 years after the fall of the
:06:02. > :06:03.10 years after the fall of the 10 years after the fall of the
:06:03. > :06:04.Berlin Wall, you would leave the Berlin Wall, you would leave the
:06:04. > :06:04.Berlin Wall, you would leave the Berlin Wall, you would leave the
:06:04. > :06:07.soldiers there to see which way the soldiers there to see which way the
:06:07. > :06:07.soldiers there to see which way the soldiers there to see which way the
:06:07. > :06:09.wind was blowing, as it were. But wind was blowing, as it were. But
:06:09. > :06:10.wind was blowing, as it were. But when we were talking about saving
:06:10. > :06:12.when we were talking about saving when we were talking about saving
:06:12. > :06:15.when we were talking about saving money, we have heard we have got
:06:15. > :06:16.money, we have heard we have got money, we have heard we have got
:06:16. > :06:17.money, we have heard we have got them there until 2013? It's was a
:06:17. > :06:18.them there until 2013? It's was a them there until 2013? It's was a
:06:18. > :06:20.decision taken to bring them all decision taken to bring them all
:06:20. > :06:22.decision taken to bring them all decision taken to bring them all
:06:22. > :06:25.back from Germany by 2020, so this back from Germany by 2020, so this
:06:25. > :06:26.back from Germany by 2020, so this announcement is no change of policy.
:06:26. > :06:27.announcement is no change of policy. announcement is no change of policy.
:06:27. > :06:29.announcement is no change of policy. The real block was the lack of
:06:29. > :06:30.The real block was the lack of The real block was the lack of
:06:30. > :06:33.updated accommodation in the United updated accommodation in the United
:06:33. > :06:34.Kingdom. The current Government Kingdom. The current Government
:06:34. > :06:36.Kingdom. The current Government decided to shelve the decisions
:06:36. > :06:38.decided to shelve the decisions about single living accommodation
:06:39. > :06:39.about single living accommodation about single living accommodation
:06:39. > :06:40.to improve the accommodation within to improve the accommodation within
:06:40. > :06:41.to improve the accommodation within the United Kingdom and it has
:06:41. > :06:42.the United Kingdom and it has the United Kingdom and it has
:06:42. > :06:44.required a reversal of that required a reversal of that
:06:44. > :06:45.required a reversal of that decision to bring them back home.
:06:45. > :06:46.decision to bring them back home. decision to bring them back home.
:06:46. > :06:47.decision to bring them back home. Is it an edition bringing them home
:06:47. > :06:48.Is it an edition bringing them home Is it an edition bringing them home
:06:48. > :06:50.Is it an edition bringing them home to the numbers of troops who would
:06:50. > :06:52.to the numbers of troops who would to the numbers of troops who would
:06:52. > :06:52.be available for other overseas be available for other overseas
:06:52. > :06:55.be available for other overseas operations, or were they deployed
:06:55. > :06:56.operations, or were they deployed operations, or were they deployed
:06:56. > :06:58.from Germany to places like Iraq from Germany to places like Iraq
:06:58. > :07:00.from Germany to places like Iraq and Afghanistan? To all intents and
:07:00. > :07:04.and Afghanistan? To all intents and purposes, serving in Germany
:07:04. > :07:06.purposes, serving in Germany purposes, serving in Germany
:07:06. > :07:07.recently has been a wider UK recently has been a wider UK
:07:07. > :07:09.recently has been a wider UK recently has been a wider UK
:07:09. > :07:09.service. It has not been seen as an service. It has not been seen as an
:07:09. > :07:11.service. It has not been seen as an operational tour. There are far
:07:11. > :07:12.operational tour. There are far operational tour. There are far
:07:12. > :07:15.fewer coming to Scotland than a fewer coming to Scotland than a
:07:15. > :07:17.fewer coming to Scotland than a fewer coming to Scotland than a
:07:17. > :07:20.Liam Fox had advertised. Do you see Liam Fox had advertised. Do you see
:07:20. > :07:21.Liam Fox had advertised. Do you see anything contentions in this, or is
:07:21. > :07:21.anything contentions in this, or is anything contentions in this, or is
:07:21. > :07:25.anything contentions in this, or is it the fact there is a smaller
:07:25. > :07:25.it the fact there is a smaller it the fact there is a smaller
:07:25. > :07:27.it the fact there is a smaller army? It is the smaller army, but
:07:27. > :07:28.army? It is the smaller army, but army? It is the smaller army, but
:07:28. > :07:30.it is contentious. One of the it is contentious. One of the
:07:30. > :07:31.it is contentious. One of the messages given by Liam Fox was
:07:31. > :07:32.messages given by Liam Fox was messages given by Liam Fox was
:07:32. > :07:33.messages given by Liam Fox was Scotland was going to do well out
:07:33. > :07:34.Scotland was going to do well out Scotland was going to do well out
:07:34. > :07:37.Scotland was going to do well out of this, there was talk of another
:07:37. > :07:38.of this, there was talk of another of this, there was talk of another
:07:38. > :07:41.brigade coming to Scotland, fresh brigade coming to Scotland, fresh
:07:41. > :07:42.training areas. Clearly, the training areas. Clearly, the
:07:42. > :07:44.training areas. Clearly, the reduction in the army specifically,
:07:44. > :07:45.reduction in the army specifically, reduction in the army specifically,
:07:45. > :07:48.which was not implemented or which was not implemented or
:07:48. > :07:49.which was not implemented or which was not implemented or
:07:49. > :07:49.decided at the same time as the decided at the same time as the
:07:49. > :07:52.decided at the same time as the decided at the same time as the
:07:52. > :07:53.2010 S D Sr, but followed on later, 2010 S D Sr, but followed on later,
:07:53. > :07:55.2010 S D Sr, but followed on later, has meant this has followed on
:07:55. > :07:56.has meant this has followed on has meant this has followed on
:07:56. > :07:58.has meant this has followed on has meant this has followed on
:07:58. > :07:59.later. It is a change and it is a later. It is a change and it is a
:07:59. > :08:01.later. It is a change and it is a reduction. It is contentious, is it
:08:01. > :08:01.reduction. It is contentious, is it reduction. It is contentious, is it
:08:01. > :08:04.a sensible move for the British a sensible move for the British
:08:04. > :08:07.a sensible move for the British Government to be making? Given the
:08:07. > :08:08.Government to be making? Given the Government to be making? Given the
:08:08. > :08:11.since everybody is around the since everybody is around the
:08:11. > :08:13.since everybody is around the independence referendum and part of
:08:13. > :08:14.independence referendum and part of independence referendum and part of
:08:14. > :08:16.the United Kingdom? I am surprised the United Kingdom? I am surprised
:08:16. > :08:16.the United Kingdom? I am surprised the United Kingdom? I am surprised
:08:16. > :08:17.the United Kingdom? I am surprised by the timing. It does seem it is a
:08:17. > :08:18.by the timing. It does seem it is a by the timing. It does seem it is a
:08:18. > :08:20.decision to Government would have decision to Government would have
:08:20. > :08:22.decision to Government would have decision to Government would have
:08:22. > :08:23.wanted to postpone until at the the wanted to postpone until at the the
:08:23. > :08:25.wanted to postpone until at the the referendum, in order to avoid this
:08:25. > :08:27.referendum, in order to avoid this controversy. This clearly would
:08:27. > :08:27.controversy. This clearly would controversy. This clearly would
:08:27. > :08:29.controversy. This clearly would have been better from that point of
:08:29. > :08:31.have been better from that point of have been better from that point of
:08:31. > :08:31.view, given the fact these troops view, given the fact these troops
:08:31. > :08:34.view, given the fact these troops won't move until at the the
:08:34. > :08:35.won't move until at the the won't move until at the the
:08:35. > :08:37.referendum, to have left it until referendum, to have left it until
:08:37. > :08:38.referendum, to have left it until you could have said, the referendum
:08:38. > :08:39.you could have said, the referendum you could have said, the referendum
:08:39. > :08:40.you could have said, the referendum decision has been taken and we will
:08:40. > :08:42.decision has been taken and we will decision has been taken and we will
:08:42. > :08:43.now take the decision about basing now take the decision about basing
:08:43. > :08:44.now take the decision about basing troops in the United Kingdom will
:08:44. > :08:46.troops in the United Kingdom will troops in the United Kingdom will
:08:46. > :08:46.troops in the United Kingdom will stop I can only assume, what drove
:08:46. > :08:49.stop I can only assume, what drove stop I can only assume, what drove
:08:49. > :08:51.this was the decision about single this was the decision about single
:08:51. > :08:51.living accommodation and family living accommodation and family
:08:51. > :08:54.living accommodation and family accommodation, which takes time to
:08:54. > :08:57.accommodation, which takes time to accommodation, which takes time to
:08:57. > :08:59.create. One battalion is moving to create. One battalion is moving to
:08:59. > :09:00.create. One battalion is moving to Belfast? People are saying, with no
:09:00. > :09:02.Belfast? People are saying, with no Belfast? People are saying, with no
:09:02. > :09:04.disrespect to Belfast, that won't disrespect to Belfast, that won't
:09:04. > :09:07.disrespect to Belfast, that won't do much for recruitment?
:09:07. > :09:11.do much for recruitment? significant decision is bringing
:09:11. > :09:13.significant decision is bringing significant decision is bringing
:09:13. > :09:14.significant decision is bringing the Argyll and so than her --
:09:14. > :09:20.the Argyll and so than her -- Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders
:09:20. > :09:22.Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders
:09:22. > :09:23.Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders back to Scotland. One of the 2005
:09:23. > :09:29.back to Scotland. One of the 2005 back to Scotland. One of the 2005
:09:29. > :09:31.and 2006 decisions is to base and 2006 decisions is to base
:09:31. > :09:32.and 2006 decisions is to base troops were they are recruiting. To
:09:32. > :09:33.troops were they are recruiting. To troops were they are recruiting. To
:09:33. > :09:35.troops were they are recruiting. To have the Scots division in Kent was
:09:35. > :09:37.have the Scots division in Kent was have the Scots division in Kent was
:09:37. > :09:40.crazy. But they will be performing crazy. But they will be performing
:09:40. > :09:41.ceremonial duties. Thanks for joining us.
:09:41. > :09:42.joining us. joining us.
:09:42. > :09:43.joining us. I'm joined now from London by the
:09:43. > :09:44.I'm joined now from London by the Scotland Office Minister, David
:09:44. > :09:44.Scotland Office Minister, David Scotland Office Minister, David
:09:44. > :09:45.Mundell. And we'll be joined Mundell. And we'll be joined
:09:45. > :09:52.Mundell. And we'll be joined shortly by SNP defence spokesman,
:09:52. > :09:53.shortly by SNP defence spokesman, shortly by SNP defence spokesman,
:09:53. > :09:56.Angus Robertson. David, are you Angus Robertson. David, are you
:09:56. > :09:58.Angus Robertson. David, are you disappointed the in Greece in army
:09:58. > :09:59.disappointed the in Greece in army disappointed the in Greece in army
:09:59. > :10:01.disappointed the in Greece in army numbers will be just a few hundred
:10:01. > :10:03.numbers will be just a few hundred numbers will be just a few hundred
:10:03. > :10:04.rather than a few thousand rather than a few thousand
:10:04. > :10:05.rather than a few thousand rather than a few thousand
:10:05. > :10:06.mentioned by Liam Fox a few years mentioned by Liam Fox a few years
:10:06. > :10:08.mentioned by Liam Fox a few years mentioned by Liam Fox a few years
:10:08. > :10:10.ago? It was never going to be six ago? It was never going to be six
:10:10. > :10:11.ago? It was never going to be six or 7,000 additional troops, it was
:10:11. > :10:13.or 7,000 additional troops, it was or 7,000 additional troops, it was
:10:14. > :10:14.going to be 2,500 additional troops, going to be 2,500 additional troops,
:10:14. > :10:16.going to be 2,500 additional troops, going to be 2,500 additional troops,
:10:16. > :10:17.that is what Liam Fox said at the that is what Liam Fox said at the
:10:17. > :10:18.that is what Liam Fox said at the time. Are you disappointed it is
:10:18. > :10:21.time. Are you disappointed it is time. Are you disappointed it is
:10:21. > :10:23.time. Are you disappointed it is not going to be that? Everyone who
:10:24. > :10:24.not going to be that? Everyone who not going to be that? Everyone who
:10:24. > :10:26.argued Scotland's case argued for argued Scotland's case argued for
:10:26. > :10:27.argued Scotland's case argued for the most troops and resources to
:10:27. > :10:28.the most troops and resources to the most troops and resources to
:10:28. > :10:29.the most troops and resources to come to Scotland. This is still a
:10:29. > :10:30.come to Scotland. This is still a come to Scotland. This is still a
:10:30. > :10:33.good news story because Scotland good news story because Scotland
:10:33. > :10:34.good news story because Scotland will have more troops. The number
:10:34. > :10:36.will have more troops. The number will have more troops. The number
:10:36. > :10:37.of army personnel in Scotland will of army personnel in Scotland will
:10:37. > :10:38.of army personnel in Scotland will of army personnel in Scotland will
:10:38. > :10:39.rise by about a quarter, and over rise by about a quarter, and over
:10:39. > :10:41.rise by about a quarter, and over rise by about a quarter, and over
:10:41. > :10:41.all they will be in increase in the all they will be in increase in the
:10:41. > :10:43.all they will be in increase in the number of on forces personnel in
:10:43. > :10:46.number of on forces personnel in number of on forces personnel in
:10:46. > :10:47.number of on forces personnel in Scotland. It is a good thing at a
:10:47. > :10:50.Scotland. It is a good thing at a Scotland. It is a good thing at a
:10:50. > :10:51.Scotland. It is a good thing at a time of the reduced size army.
:10:51. > :10:52.time of the reduced size army. time of the reduced size army.
:10:52. > :10:54.the Scotland of this arguing there the Scotland of this arguing there
:10:54. > :10:56.the Scotland of this arguing there should be a more favourable outcome
:10:56. > :10:58.should be a more favourable outcome should be a more favourable outcome
:10:58. > :10:59.for Scotland? What we understand is for Scotland? What we understand is
:10:59. > :11:00.for Scotland? What we understand is for Scotland? What we understand is
:11:00. > :11:04.this is part of the jigsaw of this is part of the jigsaw of
:11:04. > :11:06.this is part of the jigsaw of getting the best arrangement... We
:11:06. > :11:07.getting the best arrangement... We getting the best arrangement... We
:11:07. > :11:09.getting the best arrangement... We think this is a good outcome for
:11:09. > :11:10.think this is a good outcome for think this is a good outcome for
:11:10. > :11:11.Scotland, because we are going to Scotland, because we are going to
:11:11. > :11:12.Scotland, because we are going to Scotland, because we are going to
:11:12. > :11:13.see an increase in the number of see an increase in the number of
:11:13. > :11:15.see an increase in the number of army personnel in Scotland, and an
:11:15. > :11:16.army personnel in Scotland, and an army personnel in Scotland, and an
:11:16. > :11:18.increase in the number of armed increase in the number of armed
:11:18. > :11:19.increase in the number of armed increase in the number of armed
:11:19. > :11:20.forces overall, at a time when the forces overall, at a time when the
:11:20. > :11:21.forces overall, at a time when the armed forces are reducing. The
:11:21. > :11:23.armed forces are reducing. The armed forces are reducing. The
:11:23. > :11:24.proportion of the armed forces in proportion of the armed forces in
:11:24. > :11:26.Scotland, relative to the Scotland, relative to the
:11:26. > :11:27.Scotland, relative to the population of Scotland as part of
:11:27. > :11:29.population of Scotland as part of population of Scotland as part of
:11:29. > :11:30.the United Kingdom will remain the United Kingdom will remain
:11:30. > :11:31.the United Kingdom will remain the United Kingdom will remain
:11:31. > :11:33.higher. I think it is in the higher. I think it is in the
:11:33. > :11:33.higher. I think it is in the context of the Defence budget, as
:11:33. > :11:34.context of the Defence budget, as context of the Defence budget, as
:11:34. > :11:35.context of the Defence budget, as context of the Defence budget, as
:11:35. > :11:38.we have to do with it, it is a good we have to do with it, it is a good
:11:38. > :11:39.we have to do with it, it is a good we have to do with it, it is a good
:11:39. > :11:40.deal for Scotland. OK, do you agree deal for Scotland. OK, do you agree
:11:40. > :11:42.deal for Scotland. OK, do you agree with Philip Hammond incident the,
:11:42. > :11:43.with Philip Hammond incident the, with Philip Hammond incident the,
:11:43. > :11:44.when he says the armed forces when he says the armed forces
:11:44. > :11:47.when he says the armed forces cannot take any more substantial
:11:47. > :11:48.cannot take any more substantial cannot take any more substantial
:11:48. > :11:49.cannot take any more substantial cuts? I think Philip Hammond is a
:11:50. > :11:51.cuts? I think Philip Hammond is a cuts? I think Philip Hammond is a
:11:51. > :11:52.great champion of the armed forces. great champion of the armed forces.
:11:52. > :11:53.great champion of the armed forces. great champion of the armed forces.
:11:53. > :11:58.great champion of the armed forces. He s, but do you agree with him?
:11:58. > :11:58.He s, but do you agree with him? He s, but do you agree with him?
:11:58. > :12:00.He s, but do you agree with him? is his role as Secretary of State
:12:00. > :12:01.is his role as Secretary of State is his role as Secretary of State
:12:01. > :12:03.is his role as Secretary of State for Defence to argue that case in
:12:03. > :12:04.for Defence to argue that case in for Defence to argue that case in
:12:04. > :12:06.for Defence to argue that case in Cabinet... Do you agree with him?I
:12:06. > :12:08.Cabinet... Do you agree with him?I think there are significant
:12:08. > :12:11.think there are significant think there are significant
:12:11. > :12:12.benefits from having a well benefits from having a well
:12:12. > :12:14.benefits from having a well deployed and well resourced armed
:12:14. > :12:16.deployed and well resourced armed deployed and well resourced armed
:12:16. > :12:18.deployed and well resourced armed forces. So you do agree with him?I
:12:18. > :12:18.forces. So you do agree with him?I forces. So you do agree with him?I
:12:18. > :12:21.forces. So you do agree with him?I am not the Secretary of State for
:12:21. > :12:21.am not the Secretary of State for am not the Secretary of State for
:12:22. > :12:22.Defence. Philip Hammond is the Defence. Philip Hammond is the
:12:22. > :12:23.Defence. Philip Hammond is the it
:12:23. > :12:25.Secretary of State for Defence and Secretary of State for Defence and
:12:25. > :12:26.Secretary of State for Defence and it is his role to argue the corner.
:12:26. > :12:27.it is his role to argue the corner. it is his role to argue the corner.
:12:27. > :12:28.it is his role to argue the corner. It is our corner to argue the
:12:28. > :12:29.It is our corner to argue the It is our corner to argue the
:12:29. > :12:31.It is our corner to argue the corner of the Scotland, and we do
:12:31. > :12:32.corner of the Scotland, and we do that most vigorously.
:12:32. > :12:32.that most vigorously. that most vigorously.
:12:32. > :12:38.that most vigorously. The SNP's Angus Robertson is now in
:12:38. > :12:39.The SNP's Angus Robertson is now in The SNP's Angus Robertson is now in
:12:39. > :12:40.position. Given the size of the position. Given the size of the
:12:40. > :12:42.position. Given the size of the position. Given the size of the
:12:42. > :12:43.army is reduced more than we were army is reduced more than we were
:12:43. > :12:45.army is reduced more than we were expecting when Liam Fox made his
:12:45. > :12:47.expecting when Liam Fox made his announcement, you might be
:12:47. > :12:48.announcement, you might be announcement, you might be
:12:48. > :12:49.disappointed there are fewer troops disappointed there are fewer troops
:12:49. > :12:50.disappointed there are fewer troops disappointed there are fewer troops
:12:50. > :12:53.going to be based here than you going to be based here than you
:12:53. > :12:56.going to be based here than you would expect. This is nothing
:12:56. > :12:57.would expect. This is nothing biased against Scotland? David
:12:57. > :12:58.biased against Scotland? David biased against Scotland? David
:12:58. > :13:01.Mundell is floundering on the Mundell is floundering on the
:13:01. > :13:02.Mundell is floundering on the subject and no wonder one of
:13:02. > :13:04.subject and no wonder one of Scotland's national newspaper has
:13:05. > :13:05.Scotland's national newspaper has Scotland's national newspaper has
:13:05. > :13:07.been describing what has gone on been describing what has gone on
:13:07. > :13:08.been describing what has gone on been describing what has gone on
:13:08. > :13:10.today as a PR disaster. Let's not today as a PR disaster. Let's not
:13:10. > :13:11.rewrite history, let's remind rewrite history, let's remind
:13:11. > :13:13.rewrite history, let's remind ourselves, Liam Fox, after taking
:13:13. > :13:15.ourselves, Liam Fox, after taking office, after knowing the
:13:15. > :13:16.office, after knowing the difficulties inherited from Labour,
:13:16. > :13:19.difficulties inherited from Labour, difficulties inherited from Labour,
:13:19. > :13:24.made a series of announcements. One made a series of announcements. One
:13:24. > :13:26.of those announcements was, of those announcements was,
:13:26. > :13:27.of those announcements was, "between 65071000 troops will be
:13:27. > :13:29."between 65071000 troops will be "between 65071000 troops will be
:13:29. > :13:31.returned from Germany to Scotland" returned from Germany to Scotland"
:13:31. > :13:33.returned from Germany to Scotland" there is no dubiety. Instead of
:13:33. > :13:34.there is no dubiety. Instead of there is no dubiety. Instead of
:13:34. > :13:35.that we're having, even with the that we're having, even with the
:13:35. > :13:37.that we're having, even with the best win of the UK Government,
:13:37. > :13:38.best win of the UK Government, best win of the UK Government,
:13:38. > :13:39.best win of the UK Government, claims of an uplift of 600. They
:13:39. > :13:41.claims of an uplift of 600. They claims of an uplift of 600. They
:13:41. > :13:42.broke their word on the number broke their word on the number
:13:42. > :13:43.broke their word on the number returning from Germany. They broke
:13:43. > :13:44.returning from Germany. They broke returning from Germany. They broke
:13:44. > :13:46.their word on the barracks provided their word on the barracks provided
:13:46. > :13:47.their word on the barracks provided their word on the barracks provided
:13:47. > :13:47.for them, they broke their word on for them, they broke their word on
:13:47. > :13:50.for them, they broke their word on the training ground they should be
:13:50. > :13:51.the training ground they should be the training ground they should be
:13:51. > :13:53.operating in, they broke their word operating in, they broke their word
:13:53. > :13:54.operating in, they broke their word operating in, they broke their word
:13:54. > :13:54.on the numbers. What we have seen on the numbers. What we have seen
:13:54. > :13:56.on the numbers. What we have seen is an announcement which was
:13:56. > :13:57.is an announcement which was is an announcement which was
:13:57. > :13:59.is an announcement which was supposed to fill the gap of cutting
:13:59. > :14:00.supposed to fill the gap of cutting supposed to fill the gap of cutting
:14:00. > :14:01.supposed to fill the gap of cutting two out of three Scottish air bases.
:14:01. > :14:04.two out of three Scottish air bases. two out of three Scottish air bases.
:14:04. > :14:05.two out of three Scottish air bases. They are not filling to the same
:14:05. > :14:07.They are not filling to the same They are not filling to the same
:14:07. > :14:08.capacity that the RAF had. Now capacity that the RAF had. Now
:14:08. > :14:09.capacity that the RAF had. Now their announcement is falling apart
:14:09. > :14:12.their announcement is falling apart their announcement is falling apart
:14:12. > :14:14.their announcement is falling apart at the seams. Would you agree, with
:14:14. > :14:17.at the seams. Would you agree, with at the seams. Would you agree, with
:14:17. > :14:18.Philip Hammond when he suggests any Philip Hammond when he suggests any
:14:18. > :14:19.Philip Hammond when he suggests any Philip Hammond when he suggests any
:14:19. > :14:20.further cuts - to take the John further cuts - to take the John
:14:20. > :14:22.further cuts - to take the John Swinney line, he's a don't propose
:14:22. > :14:23.Swinney line, he's a don't propose Swinney line, he's a don't propose
:14:23. > :14:24.increases in spending into new tell increases in spending into new tell
:14:24. > :14:25.increases in spending into new tell us whether money is coming from.
:14:25. > :14:26.us whether money is coming from. us whether money is coming from.
:14:26. > :14:27.You would agree with Philip Hammond You would agree with Philip Hammond
:14:27. > :14:29.You would agree with Philip Hammond that they should have cut the
:14:29. > :14:29.that they should have cut the that they should have cut the
:14:29. > :14:30.welfare budget rather than cutting welfare budget rather than cutting
:14:30. > :14:32.welfare budget rather than cutting welfare budget rather than cutting
:14:32. > :14:34.the army more than we would have the army more than we would have
:14:34. > :14:34.the army more than we would have the army more than we would have
:14:34. > :14:36.expected? I agree with the policy I expected? I agree with the policy I
:14:36. > :14:38.expected? I agree with the policy I propose that the SNP conference
:14:38. > :14:38.propose that the SNP conference propose that the SNP conference
:14:38. > :14:40.propose that the SNP conference last year. We spelt out in great
:14:40. > :14:42.last year. We spelt out in great last year. We spelt out in great
:14:42. > :14:44.detail, we are committed to detail, we are committed to
:14:44. > :14:44.detail, we are committed to spending �2.5 billion a year on
:14:44. > :14:46.spending �2.5 billion a year on spending �2.5 billion a year on
:14:46. > :14:48.defence and security, hundreds of defence and security, hundreds of
:14:48. > :14:48.defence and security, hundreds of defence and security, hundreds of
:14:48. > :14:49.millions of pounds more than the UK millions of pounds more than the UK
:14:49. > :14:51.millions of pounds more than the UK Government's plans in Scotland, but
:14:51. > :14:52.Government's plans in Scotland, but Government's plans in Scotland, but
:14:53. > :14:54.allows us to make savings in allows us to make savings in
:14:54. > :14:55.allows us to make savings in particular because we don't see any
:14:55. > :14:55.particular because we don't see any particular because we don't see any
:14:55. > :14:57.role for weapons of mass role for weapons of mass
:14:57. > :15:00.role for weapons of mass destruction in Scotland. The UK is
:15:00. > :15:01.destruction in Scotland. The UK is destruction in Scotland. The UK is
:15:01. > :15:02.selling Scotland short. Even on the selling Scotland short. Even on the
:15:02. > :15:04.selling Scotland short. Even on the best estimates of the UK Government,
:15:04. > :15:05.best estimates of the UK Government, best estimates of the UK Government,
:15:05. > :15:08.their personal figures are less their personal figures are less
:15:08. > :15:13.their personal figures are less than what the SNP is proposing...
:15:13. > :15:15.than what the SNP is proposing... David Mundell, very briefly...
:15:15. > :15:16.David Mundell, very briefly... David Mundell, very briefly...
:15:17. > :15:18.David Mundell, very briefly... Listen to this nonsense. The S M --
:15:18. > :15:20.Listen to this nonsense. The S M -- Listen to this nonsense. The S M --
:15:20. > :15:21.SNP figures are made up. The SNP figures are made up. The
:15:21. > :15:22.SNP figures are made up. The personal figures have been plucked
:15:22. > :15:25.personal figures have been plucked personal figures have been plucked
:15:25. > :15:26.personal figures have been plucked out of the air, a budget of 2.5
:15:26. > :15:27.out of the air, a budget of 2.5 out of the air, a budget of 2.5
:15:27. > :15:30.million is less than any other million is less than any other
:15:30. > :15:31.million is less than any other small country in NATO. The choice
:15:31. > :15:32.small country in NATO. The choice small country in NATO. The choice
:15:32. > :15:33.for the people in the independence for the people in the independence
:15:33. > :15:34.for the people in the independence referendum is not how many troops
:15:34. > :15:35.referendum is not how many troops referendum is not how many troops
:15:35. > :15:36.have come back to Britain from have come back to Britain from
:15:36. > :15:38.have come back to Britain from have come back to Britain from
:15:38. > :15:39.Germany, it is the issue of whether Germany, it is the issue of whether
:15:39. > :15:39.Germany, it is the issue of whether Germany, it is the issue of whether
:15:39. > :15:41.they feel safe and secured with the they feel safe and secured with the
:15:41. > :15:42.they feel safe and secured with the British Army defending Scotland and
:15:42. > :15:44.British Army defending Scotland and British Army defending Scotland and
:15:44. > :15:45.British Army defending Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom, our
:15:45. > :15:46.the rest of the United Kingdom, our the rest of the United Kingdom, our
:15:46. > :15:48.proposals which are simply made up proposals which are simply made up
:15:48. > :15:48.proposals which are simply made up proposals which are simply made up
:15:48. > :15:52.on the hoof by Angus Robertson and on the hoof by Angus Robertson and
:15:52. > :15:53.on the hoof by Angus Robertson and on the hoof by Angus Robertson and
:15:53. > :15:54.others in the SNP. We are going to others in the SNP. We are going to
:15:54. > :15:55.others in the SNP. We are going to have to leave it there.
:15:55. > :15:58.have to leave it there. have to leave it there.
:15:58. > :16:00.Now a quick look at tomorrow's front pages.
:16:00. > :16:04.front pages. front pages.
:16:04. > :16:05.Starting with the Scottish Daily Starting with the Scottish Daily