Aircraft Carriers
Wed., June 25, 2008. 12:52.
Debate over aircraft carriers misses the point
Greens today argued that UK Government plans to spend £4 billion on two aircraft carriers should be opposed, no matter where they are to be built, and the engineering expertise on the Clyde should be redirected toward alternative industries such as marine renewables. Following the end of the Cold War, promises were made of a "peace dividend", yet substantial amounts of taxpayers' money continues to be squandered on military equipment designed in the Ministry of Defence's own words to provide "a coercive presence worldwide". (1)
Patrick Harvie MSP said:
"All too often, the debate is simply about which part of the country gets the defence money spent on it, with no-one else apparently prepared to make the case that this would be £4 billion thoroughly mis-spent. These ships are intended only to extend British air power abroad, providing 'a coercive presence worldwide'. They have no role in peace-keeping or other legitimate international operations.
"The Clyde shipbuilders are hard-working and highly trained. We need their skills to be redeployed for innovation in transport, energy, and engineering. It should not be beyond the wit of Government to spend our money more wisely, and to develop a long-term plan to bring the industries of the future to Glasgow."
Notes
1. See Royal Navy press release.
Contact the Scottish Greens' press team on 07909 933 074.