05/03/2013 Newsnight Scotland

open 24 hours and calls are free from a land line. Mobile operators

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will charge. Tonight on Newsnight Scotland: 600

Tonight on Newsnight Scotland: 600 Tonight on Newsnight Scotland: 600

more soldiers will be coming to more soldiers will be coming to

more soldiers will be coming to bases here, that is thousands fewer

bases here, that is thousands fewer bases here, that is thousands fewer

than expected. Our labour and the than expected. Our labour and the

than expected. Our labour and the SNP right to shout betrayal? What

SNP right to shout betrayal? What SNP right to shout betrayal? What

are her the consequences of having are her the consequences of having

a smaller army? a smaller army?

a smaller army? Two years ago the UK government

Two years ago the UK government Two years ago the UK government

Two years ago the UK government announced a plan to read apply the

announced a plan to read apply the announced a plan to read apply the

armed forces. At Kinloss and armed forces. At Kinloss and

armed forces. At Kinloss and Leuchars they were supposed to see

Leuchars they were supposed to see Leuchars they were supposed to see

large numbers of soldiers returning large numbers of soldiers returning

large numbers of soldiers returning from overseas. Scotland is still to

from overseas. Scotland is still to from overseas. Scotland is still to

see additional troops, but it is see additional troops, but it is

see additional troops, but it is far fewer than originally expected.

far fewer than originally expected. far fewer than originally expected.

British troops have been stationed British troops have been stationed

British troops have been stationed British troops have been stationed

in Germany since the end of World in Germany since the end of World

in Germany since the end of World War II, but changing times and

War II, but changing times and War II, but changing times and

shrinking balance sheets means that shrinking balance sheets means that

shrinking balance sheets means that shrinking balance sheets means that

after 60 years the wheels are in after 60 years the wheels are in

after 60 years the wheels are in motion for a full-scale withdrawal.

motion for a full-scale withdrawal. motion for a full-scale withdrawal.

Today, the intention was signalled Today, the intention was signalled

Today, the intention was signalled Today, the intention was signalled

to pick up the pace. 11,000 back in to pick up the pace. 11,000 back in

to pick up the pace. 11,000 back in to pick up the pace. 11,000 back in

to pick up the pace. 11,000 back in the UK by the end of 2016, but the

the UK by the end of 2016, but the the UK by the end of 2016, but the

remaining 4,500 and returning by remaining 4,500 and returning by

remaining 4,500 and returning by remaining 4,500 and returning by

2019. We look at what the plans 2019. We look at what the plans

2019. We look at what the plans been for Scotland. The measured

been for Scotland. The measured been for Scotland. The measured

announce today will see an increase announce today will see an increase

announce today will see an increase announce today will see an increase

in the number of forms forces nor in the number of forms forces nor

in the number of forms forces nor in the number of forms forces nor

that the border. Even as the armed that the border. Even as the armed

that the border. Even as the armed that the border. Even as the armed

forces reduce in says -- in size by forces reduce in says -- in size by

17 % or overall. 17 % or overall.

17 % or overall. The Ministry of Defence promised

The Ministry of Defence promised The Ministry of Defence promised

long-term stability. As for the long-term stability. As for the

long-term stability. As for the original plans put forward by his

original plans put forward by his predecessor, the Defence Secretary

predecessor, the Defence Secretary predecessor, the Defence Secretary

says that they have been refined. says that they have been refined.

says that they have been refined. says that they have been refined.

Two years ago, in the face a Two years ago, in the face a

Two years ago, in the face a controversy about RAF cuts, Liam

controversy about RAF cuts, Liam controversy about RAF cuts, Liam

Fox spoke about an increasing Fox spoke about an increasing

Fox spoke about an increasing defence footprint. More than 6,000

defence footprint. More than 6,000 defence footprint. More than 6,000

army troops would be based in army troops would be based in

army troops would be based in Scotland he said at the time.

Scotland he said at the time. Scotland he said at the time.

Today's announced in pigs that Today's announced in pigs that

Today's announced in pigs that Today's announced in pigs that

figure at around 4,000. The army is figure at around 4,000. The army is

figure at around 4,000. The army is getting a smaller, and with 2004

getting a smaller, and with 2004 getting a smaller, and with 2004

people being based in Scotland, we people being based in Scotland, we

people being based in Scotland, we people being based in Scotland, we

have reduced the army by 10,000 or have reduced the army by 10,000 or

have reduced the army by 10,000 or 12,000. You would expect there to

12,000. You would expect there to 12,000. You would expect there to

12,000. You would expect there to be fewer based in Scotland. We are

be fewer based in Scotland. We are be fewer based in Scotland. We are

be fewer based in Scotland. We are still having a not left in army

still having a not left in army still having a not left in army

numbers in Scotland by 800. The numbers in Scotland by 800. The

numbers in Scotland by 800. The numbers are going up in Scotland,

numbers are going up in Scotland, numbers are going up in Scotland,

numbers are going up in Scotland, which is great and I think is right.

which is great and I think is right. which is great and I think is right.

But that argument was given short But that argument was given short

But that argument was given short shrift on that opposition benches.

shrift on that opposition benches. shrift on that opposition benches.

Where there is positive news, Where there is positive news,

Where there is positive news, previous pledge of thousands of

previous pledge of thousands of previous pledge of thousands of

previous pledge of thousands of plan

more troops for Scotland has been a more troops for Scotland has been a

more troops for Scotland has been a plan for just hundreds. This is a

plan for just hundreds. This is a plan for just hundreds. This is a

plan for just hundreds. This is a real blow to Scotland and will not

be forgotten. be forgotten.

be forgotten. The Ministry of Defence's plan

The Ministry of Defence's plan The Ministry of Defence's plan

revolves around seven UK hops, two revolves around seven UK hops, two

revolves around seven UK hops, two revolves around seven UK hops, two

of which are in Scotland. -- UK of which are in Scotland. -- UK

of which are in Scotland. -- UK bases. 1,200 air force personnel

bases. 1,200 air force personnel bases. 1,200 air force personnel

will be replaced by around 850 will be replaced by around 850

will be replaced by around 850 soldiers, bringing to an end more

soldiers, bringing to an end more soldiers, bringing to an end more

soldiers, bringing to an end more than 100 years of radiation at the

than 100 years of radiation at the than 100 years of radiation at the

than 100 years of radiation at the RAF base. A big change for the Fife

RAF base. A big change for the Fife RAF base. A big change for the Fife

RAF base. A big change for the Fife town. -- Aviation. We are going to

town. -- Aviation. We are going to town. -- Aviation. We are going to

have to relocate the children again, have to relocate the children again,

have to relocate the children again, possibly next year or the year

possibly next year or the year possibly next year or the year

possibly next year or the year after. There will only be won the

after. There will only be won the after. There will only be won the

Air Force Base in all Scotland, Air Force Base in all Scotland,

Air Force Base in all Scotland, that is quite disappointing and I

that is quite disappointing and I that is quite disappointing and I

that is quite disappointing and I do not think it is very fair that

do not think it is very fair that do not think it is very fair that

do not think it is very fair that army are getting a lovely new base,

army are getting a lovely new base, army are getting a lovely new base,

with a lovely new community centre. with a lovely new community centre.

with a lovely new community centre. Do military map around Edinburgh is

Do military map around Edinburgh is Do military map around Edinburgh is

We have got some good quality We have got some good quality

barracks and accommodation in barracks and accommodation in

barracks and accommodation in barracks and accommodation in

Scotland. We want to make more of Scotland. We want to make more of

Scotland. We want to make more of Scotland. We want to make more of

these so that there will be some these so that there will be some

these so that there will be some refurbishments. We are putting a

refurbishments. We are putting a refurbishments. We are putting a

three-figure sum in place to be three-figure sum in place to be

three-figure sum in place to be three-figure sum in place to be

able to do that. We want families able to do that. We want families

able to do that. We want families to be looked after properly when

to be looked after properly when to be looked after properly when

servicemen and women are a way. servicemen and women are a way.

But some characterise today's But some characterise today's

But some characterise today's announcement as a betrayal. Were

announcement as a betrayal. Were announcement as a betrayal. Were

announcement as a betrayal. Were going to see and the barracks and

going to see and the barracks and going to see and the barracks and

new training theory and the new training theory and the

new training theory and the Secretary of State for Defence has

Secretary of State for Defence has Secretary of State for Defence has

Secretary of State for Defence has said that he is going back on every

said that he is going back on every said that he is going back on every

said that he is going back on every one of these promises. I think that

one of these promises. I think that one of these promises. I think that

one of these promises. I think that that is bad. The SNP say that the

that is bad. The SNP say that the independence referendum offers

independence referendum offers independence referendum offers

voters in Scotland an alternative. voters in Scotland an alternative.

voters in Scotland an alternative. Defence will feature in the debate,

Defence will feature in the debate, Defence will feature in the debate,

but just how important will become but just how important will become

but just how important will become but just how important will become

clear next autumn when the bulk of clear next autumn when the bulk of

clear next autumn when the bulk of clear next autumn when the bulk of

I'm joined now from London by the I'm joined now from London by the

Oxford University authority on Oxford University authority on

Oxford University authority on matters military, Professor Sir Hew

matters military, Professor Sir Hew matters military, Professor Sir Hew

Strachan. Why have we still got Strachan. Why have we still got

troops in Germany? troops in Germany?

troops in Germany? troops in Germany?

troops in Germany? By at was a legacy from the end of

By at was a legacy from the end of By at was a legacy from the end of

By at was a legacy from the end of the Cold War, before the colt work,

the Cold War, before the colt work, the Cold War, before the colt work,

the Cold War, before the colt work, the end of the Second World War.

the end of the Second World War. the end of the Second World War.

The Germans had been very The Germans had been very

The Germans had been very accommodating. I can see maybe for

accommodating. I can see maybe for accommodating. I can see maybe for

accommodating. I can see maybe for 10 years after the fall of the

10 years after the fall of the 10 years after the fall of the

Berlin Wall, you would leave the Berlin Wall, you would leave the

Berlin Wall, you would leave the Berlin Wall, you would leave the

soldiers there to see which way the soldiers there to see which way the

soldiers there to see which way the soldiers there to see which way the

wind was blowing, as it were. But wind was blowing, as it were. But

wind was blowing, as it were. But when we were talking about saving

when we were talking about saving when we were talking about saving

when we were talking about saving money, we have heard we have got

money, we have heard we have got money, we have heard we have got

money, we have heard we have got them there until 2013? It's was a

them there until 2013? It's was a them there until 2013? It's was a

decision taken to bring them all decision taken to bring them all

decision taken to bring them all decision taken to bring them all

back from Germany by 2020, so this back from Germany by 2020, so this

back from Germany by 2020, so this announcement is no change of policy.

announcement is no change of policy. announcement is no change of policy.

announcement is no change of policy. The real block was the lack of

The real block was the lack of The real block was the lack of

updated accommodation in the United updated accommodation in the United

Kingdom. The current Government Kingdom. The current Government

Kingdom. The current Government decided to shelve the decisions

decided to shelve the decisions about single living accommodation

about single living accommodation about single living accommodation

to improve the accommodation within to improve the accommodation within

to improve the accommodation within the United Kingdom and it has

the United Kingdom and it has the United Kingdom and it has

required a reversal of that required a reversal of that

required a reversal of that decision to bring them back home.

decision to bring them back home. decision to bring them back home.

decision to bring them back home. Is it an edition bringing them home

Is it an edition bringing them home Is it an edition bringing them home

Is it an edition bringing them home to the numbers of troops who would

to the numbers of troops who would to the numbers of troops who would

be available for other overseas be available for other overseas

be available for other overseas operations, or were they deployed

operations, or were they deployed operations, or were they deployed

from Germany to places like Iraq from Germany to places like Iraq

from Germany to places like Iraq and Afghanistan? To all intents and

and Afghanistan? To all intents and purposes, serving in Germany

purposes, serving in Germany purposes, serving in Germany

recently has been a wider UK recently has been a wider UK

recently has been a wider UK recently has been a wider UK

service. It has not been seen as an service. It has not been seen as an

service. It has not been seen as an operational tour. There are far

operational tour. There are far operational tour. There are far

fewer coming to Scotland than a fewer coming to Scotland than a

fewer coming to Scotland than a fewer coming to Scotland than a

Liam Fox had advertised. Do you see Liam Fox had advertised. Do you see

Liam Fox had advertised. Do you see anything contentions in this, or is

anything contentions in this, or is anything contentions in this, or is

anything contentions in this, or is it the fact there is a smaller

it the fact there is a smaller it the fact there is a smaller

it the fact there is a smaller army? It is the smaller army, but

army? It is the smaller army, but army? It is the smaller army, but

it is contentious. One of the it is contentious. One of the

it is contentious. One of the messages given by Liam Fox was

messages given by Liam Fox was messages given by Liam Fox was

messages given by Liam Fox was Scotland was going to do well out

Scotland was going to do well out Scotland was going to do well out

Scotland was going to do well out of this, there was talk of another

of this, there was talk of another of this, there was talk of another

brigade coming to Scotland, fresh brigade coming to Scotland, fresh

training areas. Clearly, the training areas. Clearly, the

training areas. Clearly, the reduction in the army specifically,

reduction in the army specifically, reduction in the army specifically,

which was not implemented or which was not implemented or

which was not implemented or which was not implemented or

decided at the same time as the decided at the same time as the

decided at the same time as the decided at the same time as the

2010 S D Sr, but followed on later, 2010 S D Sr, but followed on later,

2010 S D Sr, but followed on later, has meant this has followed on

has meant this has followed on has meant this has followed on

has meant this has followed on has meant this has followed on

later. It is a change and it is a later. It is a change and it is a

later. It is a change and it is a reduction. It is contentious, is it

reduction. It is contentious, is it reduction. It is contentious, is it

a sensible move for the British a sensible move for the British

a sensible move for the British Government to be making? Given the

Government to be making? Given the Government to be making? Given the

since everybody is around the since everybody is around the

since everybody is around the independence referendum and part of

independence referendum and part of independence referendum and part of

the United Kingdom? I am surprised the United Kingdom? I am surprised

the United Kingdom? I am surprised the United Kingdom? I am surprised

the United Kingdom? I am surprised by the timing. It does seem it is a

by the timing. It does seem it is a by the timing. It does seem it is a

decision to Government would have decision to Government would have

decision to Government would have decision to Government would have

wanted to postpone until at the the wanted to postpone until at the the

wanted to postpone until at the the referendum, in order to avoid this

referendum, in order to avoid this controversy. This clearly would

controversy. This clearly would controversy. This clearly would

controversy. This clearly would have been better from that point of

have been better from that point of have been better from that point of

view, given the fact these troops view, given the fact these troops

view, given the fact these troops won't move until at the the

won't move until at the the won't move until at the the

referendum, to have left it until referendum, to have left it until

referendum, to have left it until you could have said, the referendum

you could have said, the referendum you could have said, the referendum

you could have said, the referendum decision has been taken and we will

decision has been taken and we will decision has been taken and we will

now take the decision about basing now take the decision about basing

now take the decision about basing troops in the United Kingdom will

troops in the United Kingdom will troops in the United Kingdom will

troops in the United Kingdom will stop I can only assume, what drove

stop I can only assume, what drove stop I can only assume, what drove

this was the decision about single this was the decision about single

living accommodation and family living accommodation and family

living accommodation and family accommodation, which takes time to

accommodation, which takes time to accommodation, which takes time to

create. One battalion is moving to create. One battalion is moving to

create. One battalion is moving to Belfast? People are saying, with no

Belfast? People are saying, with no Belfast? People are saying, with no

disrespect to Belfast, that won't disrespect to Belfast, that won't

disrespect to Belfast, that won't do much for recruitment?

do much for recruitment? significant decision is bringing

significant decision is bringing significant decision is bringing

significant decision is bringing the Argyll and so than her --

the Argyll and so than her -- Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders

Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders

Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders back to Scotland. One of the 2005

back to Scotland. One of the 2005 back to Scotland. One of the 2005

and 2006 decisions is to base and 2006 decisions is to base

and 2006 decisions is to base troops were they are recruiting. To

troops were they are recruiting. To troops were they are recruiting. To

troops were they are recruiting. To have the Scots division in Kent was

have the Scots division in Kent was have the Scots division in Kent was

crazy. But they will be performing crazy. But they will be performing

ceremonial duties. Thanks for joining us.

joining us. joining us.

joining us. I'm joined now from London by the

I'm joined now from London by the Scotland Office Minister, David

Scotland Office Minister, David Scotland Office Minister, David

Mundell. And we'll be joined Mundell. And we'll be joined

Mundell. And we'll be joined shortly by SNP defence spokesman,

shortly by SNP defence spokesman, shortly by SNP defence spokesman,

Angus Robertson. David, are you Angus Robertson. David, are you

Angus Robertson. David, are you disappointed the in Greece in army

disappointed the in Greece in army disappointed the in Greece in army

disappointed the in Greece in army numbers will be just a few hundred

numbers will be just a few hundred numbers will be just a few hundred

rather than a few thousand rather than a few thousand

rather than a few thousand rather than a few thousand

mentioned by Liam Fox a few years mentioned by Liam Fox a few years

mentioned by Liam Fox a few years mentioned by Liam Fox a few years

ago? It was never going to be six ago? It was never going to be six

ago? It was never going to be six or 7,000 additional troops, it was

or 7,000 additional troops, it was or 7,000 additional troops, it was

going to be 2,500 additional troops, going to be 2,500 additional troops,

going to be 2,500 additional troops, going to be 2,500 additional troops,

that is what Liam Fox said at the that is what Liam Fox said at the

that is what Liam Fox said at the time. Are you disappointed it is

time. Are you disappointed it is time. Are you disappointed it is

time. Are you disappointed it is not going to be that? Everyone who

not going to be that? Everyone who not going to be that? Everyone who

argued Scotland's case argued for argued Scotland's case argued for

argued Scotland's case argued for the most troops and resources to

the most troops and resources to the most troops and resources to

the most troops and resources to come to Scotland. This is still a

come to Scotland. This is still a come to Scotland. This is still a

good news story because Scotland good news story because Scotland

good news story because Scotland will have more troops. The number

will have more troops. The number will have more troops. The number

of army personnel in Scotland will of army personnel in Scotland will

of army personnel in Scotland will of army personnel in Scotland will

rise by about a quarter, and over rise by about a quarter, and over

rise by about a quarter, and over rise by about a quarter, and over

all they will be in increase in the all they will be in increase in the

all they will be in increase in the number of on forces personnel in

number of on forces personnel in number of on forces personnel in

number of on forces personnel in Scotland. It is a good thing at a

Scotland. It is a good thing at a Scotland. It is a good thing at a

Scotland. It is a good thing at a time of the reduced size army.

time of the reduced size army. time of the reduced size army.

the Scotland of this arguing there the Scotland of this arguing there

the Scotland of this arguing there should be a more favourable outcome

should be a more favourable outcome should be a more favourable outcome

for Scotland? What we understand is for Scotland? What we understand is

for Scotland? What we understand is for Scotland? What we understand is

this is part of the jigsaw of this is part of the jigsaw of

this is part of the jigsaw of getting the best arrangement... We

getting the best arrangement... We getting the best arrangement... We

getting the best arrangement... We think this is a good outcome for

think this is a good outcome for think this is a good outcome for

Scotland, because we are going to Scotland, because we are going to

Scotland, because we are going to Scotland, because we are going to

see an increase in the number of see an increase in the number of

see an increase in the number of army personnel in Scotland, and an

army personnel in Scotland, and an army personnel in Scotland, and an

increase in the number of armed increase in the number of armed

increase in the number of armed increase in the number of armed

forces overall, at a time when the forces overall, at a time when the

forces overall, at a time when the armed forces are reducing. The

armed forces are reducing. The armed forces are reducing. The

proportion of the armed forces in proportion of the armed forces in

Scotland, relative to the Scotland, relative to the

Scotland, relative to the population of Scotland as part of

population of Scotland as part of population of Scotland as part of

the United Kingdom will remain the United Kingdom will remain

the United Kingdom will remain the United Kingdom will remain

higher. I think it is in the higher. I think it is in the

higher. I think it is in the context of the Defence budget, as

context of the Defence budget, as context of the Defence budget, as

context of the Defence budget, as context of the Defence budget, as

we have to do with it, it is a good we have to do with it, it is a good

we have to do with it, it is a good we have to do with it, it is a good

deal for Scotland. OK, do you agree deal for Scotland. OK, do you agree

deal for Scotland. OK, do you agree with Philip Hammond incident the,

with Philip Hammond incident the, with Philip Hammond incident the,

when he says the armed forces when he says the armed forces

when he says the armed forces cannot take any more substantial

cannot take any more substantial cannot take any more substantial

cannot take any more substantial cuts? I think Philip Hammond is a

cuts? I think Philip Hammond is a cuts? I think Philip Hammond is a

great champion of the armed forces. great champion of the armed forces.

great champion of the armed forces. great champion of the armed forces.

great champion of the armed forces. He s, but do you agree with him?

He s, but do you agree with him? He s, but do you agree with him?

He s, but do you agree with him? is his role as Secretary of State

is his role as Secretary of State is his role as Secretary of State

is his role as Secretary of State for Defence to argue that case in

for Defence to argue that case in for Defence to argue that case in

for Defence to argue that case in Cabinet... Do you agree with him?I

Cabinet... Do you agree with him?I think there are significant

think there are significant think there are significant

benefits from having a well benefits from having a well

benefits from having a well deployed and well resourced armed

deployed and well resourced armed deployed and well resourced armed

deployed and well resourced armed forces. So you do agree with him?I

forces. So you do agree with him?I forces. So you do agree with him?I

forces. So you do agree with him?I am not the Secretary of State for

am not the Secretary of State for am not the Secretary of State for

Defence. Philip Hammond is the Defence. Philip Hammond is the

Defence. Philip Hammond is the it

Secretary of State for Defence and Secretary of State for Defence and

Secretary of State for Defence and it is his role to argue the corner.

it is his role to argue the corner. it is his role to argue the corner.

it is his role to argue the corner. It is our corner to argue the

It is our corner to argue the It is our corner to argue the

It is our corner to argue the corner of the Scotland, and we do

corner of the Scotland, and we do that most vigorously.

that most vigorously. that most vigorously.

that most vigorously. The SNP's Angus Robertson is now in

The SNP's Angus Robertson is now in The SNP's Angus Robertson is now in

position. Given the size of the position. Given the size of the

position. Given the size of the position. Given the size of the

army is reduced more than we were army is reduced more than we were

army is reduced more than we were expecting when Liam Fox made his

expecting when Liam Fox made his announcement, you might be

announcement, you might be announcement, you might be

disappointed there are fewer troops disappointed there are fewer troops

disappointed there are fewer troops disappointed there are fewer troops

going to be based here than you going to be based here than you

going to be based here than you would expect. This is nothing

would expect. This is nothing biased against Scotland? David

biased against Scotland? David biased against Scotland? David

Mundell is floundering on the Mundell is floundering on the

Mundell is floundering on the subject and no wonder one of

subject and no wonder one of Scotland's national newspaper has

Scotland's national newspaper has Scotland's national newspaper has

been describing what has gone on been describing what has gone on

been describing what has gone on been describing what has gone on

today as a PR disaster. Let's not today as a PR disaster. Let's not

rewrite history, let's remind rewrite history, let's remind

rewrite history, let's remind ourselves, Liam Fox, after taking

ourselves, Liam Fox, after taking office, after knowing the

office, after knowing the difficulties inherited from Labour,

difficulties inherited from Labour, difficulties inherited from Labour,

made a series of announcements. One made a series of announcements. One

of those announcements was, of those announcements was,

of those announcements was, "between 65071000 troops will be

"between 65071000 troops will be "between 65071000 troops will be

returned from Germany to Scotland" returned from Germany to Scotland"

returned from Germany to Scotland" there is no dubiety. Instead of

there is no dubiety. Instead of there is no dubiety. Instead of

that we're having, even with the that we're having, even with the

that we're having, even with the best win of the UK Government,

best win of the UK Government, best win of the UK Government,

best win of the UK Government, claims of an uplift of 600. They

claims of an uplift of 600. They claims of an uplift of 600. They

broke their word on the number broke their word on the number

broke their word on the number returning from Germany. They broke

returning from Germany. They broke returning from Germany. They broke

their word on the barracks provided their word on the barracks provided

their word on the barracks provided their word on the barracks provided

for them, they broke their word on for them, they broke their word on

for them, they broke their word on the training ground they should be

the training ground they should be the training ground they should be

operating in, they broke their word operating in, they broke their word

operating in, they broke their word operating in, they broke their word

on the numbers. What we have seen on the numbers. What we have seen

on the numbers. What we have seen is an announcement which was

is an announcement which was is an announcement which was

is an announcement which was supposed to fill the gap of cutting

supposed to fill the gap of cutting supposed to fill the gap of cutting

supposed to fill the gap of cutting two out of three Scottish air bases.

two out of three Scottish air bases. two out of three Scottish air bases.

two out of three Scottish air bases. They are not filling to the same

They are not filling to the same They are not filling to the same

capacity that the RAF had. Now capacity that the RAF had. Now

capacity that the RAF had. Now their announcement is falling apart

their announcement is falling apart their announcement is falling apart

their announcement is falling apart at the seams. Would you agree, with

at the seams. Would you agree, with at the seams. Would you agree, with

Philip Hammond when he suggests any Philip Hammond when he suggests any

Philip Hammond when he suggests any Philip Hammond when he suggests any

further cuts - to take the John further cuts - to take the John

further cuts - to take the John Swinney line, he's a don't propose

Swinney line, he's a don't propose Swinney line, he's a don't propose

increases in spending into new tell increases in spending into new tell

increases in spending into new tell us whether money is coming from.

us whether money is coming from. us whether money is coming from.

You would agree with Philip Hammond You would agree with Philip Hammond

You would agree with Philip Hammond that they should have cut the

that they should have cut the that they should have cut the

welfare budget rather than cutting welfare budget rather than cutting

welfare budget rather than cutting welfare budget rather than cutting

the army more than we would have the army more than we would have

the army more than we would have the army more than we would have

expected? I agree with the policy I expected? I agree with the policy I

expected? I agree with the policy I propose that the SNP conference

propose that the SNP conference propose that the SNP conference

propose that the SNP conference last year. We spelt out in great

last year. We spelt out in great last year. We spelt out in great

detail, we are committed to detail, we are committed to

detail, we are committed to spending �2.5 billion a year on

spending �2.5 billion a year on spending �2.5 billion a year on

defence and security, hundreds of defence and security, hundreds of

defence and security, hundreds of defence and security, hundreds of

millions of pounds more than the UK millions of pounds more than the UK

millions of pounds more than the UK Government's plans in Scotland, but

Government's plans in Scotland, but Government's plans in Scotland, but

allows us to make savings in allows us to make savings in

allows us to make savings in particular because we don't see any

particular because we don't see any particular because we don't see any

role for weapons of mass role for weapons of mass

role for weapons of mass destruction in Scotland. The UK is

destruction in Scotland. The UK is destruction in Scotland. The UK is

selling Scotland short. Even on the selling Scotland short. Even on the

selling Scotland short. Even on the best estimates of the UK Government,

best estimates of the UK Government, best estimates of the UK Government,

their personal figures are less their personal figures are less

their personal figures are less than what the SNP is proposing...

than what the SNP is proposing... David Mundell, very briefly...

David Mundell, very briefly... David Mundell, very briefly...

David Mundell, very briefly... Listen to this nonsense. The S M --

Listen to this nonsense. The S M -- Listen to this nonsense. The S M --

SNP figures are made up. The SNP figures are made up. The

SNP figures are made up. The personal figures have been plucked

personal figures have been plucked personal figures have been plucked

personal figures have been plucked out of the air, a budget of 2.5

out of the air, a budget of 2.5 out of the air, a budget of 2.5

million is less than any other million is less than any other

million is less than any other small country in NATO. The choice

small country in NATO. The choice small country in NATO. The choice

for the people in the independence for the people in the independence

for the people in the independence referendum is not how many troops

referendum is not how many troops referendum is not how many troops

have come back to Britain from have come back to Britain from

have come back to Britain from have come back to Britain from

Germany, it is the issue of whether Germany, it is the issue of whether

Germany, it is the issue of whether Germany, it is the issue of whether

they feel safe and secured with the they feel safe and secured with the

they feel safe and secured with the British Army defending Scotland and

British Army defending Scotland and British Army defending Scotland and

British Army defending Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom, our

the rest of the United Kingdom, our the rest of the United Kingdom, our

proposals which are simply made up proposals which are simply made up

proposals which are simply made up proposals which are simply made up

on the hoof by Angus Robertson and on the hoof by Angus Robertson and

on the hoof by Angus Robertson and on the hoof by Angus Robertson and

others in the SNP. We are going to others in the SNP. We are going to

others in the SNP. We are going to have to leave it there.

have to leave it there. have to leave it there.

Now a quick look at tomorrow's front pages.

front pages. front pages.

Starting with the Scottish Daily Starting with the Scottish Daily