SNP must reveal how they would fill Faslane jobs gap

19 Jun 2012

The SNP must detail how they would replace the thousands of jobs lost if they got their wish to rid Scotland of nuclear deterrents.

This week has brought more statements from the SNP about its determination to close down Faslane, despite it employing 6000 people on site, and thousands more indirectly.

The SNP has provided no detail on what the future would hold for the base, or how it would cater for the swathes of people the move would make jobless.

The failure to support jobs in the area is in addition to a reported U-turn the SNP is ready to make on its long-held position that a separate Scotland would not be part of the nuclear alliance.

Scottish Conservative West of Scotland MSP Annabel Goldie said:

“Faslane is a hugely important component of the local Dunbartonshire economy, accounting for 6000 direct jobs but also underpinning thousands of indirect jobs.

“It is all very well for the SNP to dismiss these jobs as of no consequence, but for thousands of people and their families in the local area these jobs are the reality of their livelihoods.

“If the SNP are so keen to get rid of these jobs, why have they provided no detail on the future of Faslane and how the people affected are expected to cope personally and financially with its closure.

“People in the Dunbartonshire area deserve clarity and honesty from the SNP on this issue as a matter of urgency.”