UK MoD has Questions to Answer Over 'Embarrassing' Capability Gap

Commenting on today’s reports that an alleged Russian submarine was possibly operating in UK territorial waters off the Western Isles, SNP Westminster Leader and Defence Spokesperson Angus Robertson said:

“These worrying reports highlight once again the embarrassing capability gap which successive UK Governments have allowed to develop – despite its status as a maritime nation, the UK doesn't possess a single Maritime Patrol Aircraft which is the exact thing you need in this situation. They can’t confirm or deny the presence of Submarines because they simply do not know where they are.

“The MoD have a duty to ensure that Scotland’s coastline is properly protected and this goes to show that they are failing on every level as their cuts agenda continues to leave us exposed.

“Instead they'd rather spend £100bn on a new generation of Trident nuclear weapons while cutting conventional naval and other defence forces to the bone – which confirms that Westminster has its priorities entirely wrong when it comes to defence.”

SNP MP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar Angus MacNeil added:

“The capability gap in our naval forces the UK Government has presided over will be deeply worrying to people across Scotland – but particularly in our island and coastal communities. It’s vital that the MoD remedies this situation to ensure the safety of our coastline – rather than blowing billions on weapons of mass destruction.”