Streeting condemns Swinney's defence claims as irresponsible

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 19:20 · Archive

UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has condemned Scottish First Minister John Swinney's claims that Scotland is being left defenceless by the UK Government.

Scottish First Minister John Swinney has claimed the UK is 'failing to keep Scotland secure', warning that Scotland's 'vast coastline is left dangerously exposed' to potential Russian threats. He has repeatedly raised concerns about the adequacy of defence in waters around the north of Scotland.

At the SNP conference earlier this month, Swinney argued that modern warfare has changed, with cyber attacks and drones replacing traditional threats, making nuclear weapons 'obsolete'. He acknowledged that 'the UK has the means to kill millions of people in minutes', but insisted this does not protect Scotland from contemporary security challenges. The SNP has long opposed the Trident nuclear deterrent, which is based at Faslane on the Clyde.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting condemned Swinney's claims as 'irresponsible and unfounded' during a visit to Scotland on Friday. He accused the First Minister of 'playing party politics with national defence and security' and said the SNP's 'white flag policy of nuclear disarmament' represents one of the biggest risks to the UK's future security. Streeting pointed to the North Atlantic deployment of HMS Prince of Wales as 'very visible proof' that Swinney's claims lack foundation.

How it is being reported

• John Swinney accused of 'playing party politics with national defence' after making 'irresponsible' warning over threats from RussiaJohn Swinney's warnings that Scotland is being left exposed to Russian threats were branded 'irresponsible and unfounded' by Defence Secretary Wes Streeting.Daily Mail · 30 Oct, 19:05
• Streeting condemns Swinney’s ‘irresponsible and unfounded’ comments on defenceThe Scottish First Minister has claimed the UK Government is ‘failing to keep Scotland secure’.Evening Standard · 30 Oct, 18:36

In this story: John Swinney · Wes Streeting · Scotland · UK Government · SNP · Faslane

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