SNP Seek Aircraft Assurances
Posted on Thursday, March 16 2006
The Scottish National Party (SNP) is seeking assurances about the future of the new Joint Strike Fighter which is scheduled to be based at RAF Lossiemouth.Concerns have been raised that the UK could pull out of the Pentagon's JSF programme if the US does not agree to share crucial technology associated with the fighter jet.
SNP Defence spokesman Angus Robertson MP who represents the RAF Lossiemouth base has written to the Ministry of Defence to seek clarification about the consequences of not proceeding with JSF.
The UK minister of defence for procurement Lord Drayson, has said that the UK could not proceed to the next phase of the next generation F-35 fighter jet unless Washington agreed to share technology needed to ensure "operational sovereignty".
But he cautioned that the UK had a "Plan B" should the US not agree to share the technology.
Mr Robertson has written to Lord Drayson asking what those contingencies are and what impact they would have for basing options:
"This dispute is regrettable and hopefully won't have any negative impact on the stationing of next generation aircraft at RAF Lossiemouth.
"It would be helpful for the UK Ministry of Defence to give reassurances. After a successful campaign to secure a long term future for RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Kinloss the MOD will understand local concerns about any negative developments.
"In the current circumstances about the JSF project, it would be helpful for the MOD to explain that their contingency plans incorporate existing basing commitments.
Mr Robertson says he is to discuss the dispute with senior US politicians when he travels to the United States for Tartan Day celebrations.
The SNP Foreign Affairs and Defence spokesman will meet members of both the US Congress and Senate during a visit to Washington DC at the beginning of April 2006.
ENDS
SNP CALLS FOR COMPLETE IRAQ PULLOUT
Posted on Monday, March 13 2006
Angus Robertson MP, the SNP's Defence spokesman, today (Monday) welcomed the UK government announcement of reducing troop numbers in Iraq and also added calls for a complete pullout.
The Ministry of Defence announced that 800 service personnel are to be rotated out of operations in Iraq. Mr Robertson says that the time has come for more considerable troop reductions.
Commenting Mr Robertson said:
"Hopefully this is the beginning of a significant military pullout from Iraq. The SNP has consistently questioned the invasion and occupation. Now the Labour government should act responsibly and plan for military disengagement.
"No more Scottish or other coalition troops should have to pay for this
policy disaster with their lives or serious injury."
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