Would an independent Scotland end the UK's nuclear deterrent?
The House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee will question Lord West of Spithead on Tuesday 4 December, as part of their inquiry into the impact on the UK economy of Scottish independence.
Lord West was Chief of Naval Staff and First Sea Lord from 2002-2006. He was Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Security and Counter-Terrorism) at the Home Office 2007-10.
The Committee will question Lord West on issues including:
- the feasibility of moving the UK's nuclear deterrent facilities from the Clyde to elsewhere in the UK and how much this might cost;
- whether he agrees with the Ministry of Defence's position not to plan for Scottish independence;
- how many jobs in Scotland depend both directly and indirectly on the Trident nuclear programme;
- if there would be any impact on the shipbuilding industry in Scotland as a result of independence.
The evidence session take place at 3.35pm on Tuesday 4 December in Committee Room 1 of the House of Lords and will be webcast live at www.parliamentlive.tv.
The evidence session is also open to the public. Journalists wishing to attend should go to Parliament's Cromwell Green Entrance and should allow time for security screening.
