Scottish independence: Troops ‘may not want to join Scots forces’

• Scots troops in UK military might not join new Scottish defence force post-independence, MoD chiefs warn

• Doubt cast on Scotland’s ability to defend itself in the event of independence

The ability of a smaller Scottish defence force to “protect its own territory” has also been called into question by the MoD in a paper setting out the impact on the UK armed forces of Scottish independence.

Scotland would also lose out in up to £13 billion a year in defence contracts which the UK can currently give straight to domestic yards. They are exempt from normal EU procurement rules on the basis of protecting national security.

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said yesterday: “Scotland, as an integral part of the UK, plays a big role in the defence of the UK. It is home to major navy, army and RAF bases and other key facilities.

“Scots and Scottish-recruited units are an integral part of the UK armed forces.

“And the defence industry in Scotland – including its shipbuilding industry – plays a key role in equipping and supporting the UK armed forces.”

The submission to the House of Commons defence committee warns that Scots who are currently members of the UK armed forces could not be “co-opted” on to any Scottish army after independence.

“It is far from clear that individual members of the armed forces would who came within an agreed definition of Scottish would automatically choose to join the armed forces of an independent Scotland,” it adds.

The Scottish force may be smaller and globally “less active” than the UK forces, which could prove a “less rewarding prospect” for soldiers.

And despite SNP claims that an independent Scotland could still secure shipyard orders on the Clyde and Forth from the armed forces of the UK, this is played down by the MoD.

“Other than the world wars, the UK has not had a complex warship built outside the UK since the start of the 20th century at least,” it says.

Scotland would have a far smaller military than the existing UK forces, which would have implications for “protecting its own territory” and international commitments.

The SNP has indicated the prospect of sharing bases and facilities with the remainder of the UK after independence, but the submission says no “credible plans” for this have yet been set out. “It is not possible to say whether or not facilities, bases or support could be shared,” it says.

Scottish Secretary Michael Moore added: “Our armed forces are totally integrated. It is absurd to suggest that an independent Scotland would simply produce a mini version of the UK armed forces.”