Scottish independence a ‘win for Putin’, defence minister claims

SNP independence plan ‘a win for Putin’, defence minister claims

Minister blasted over 'crass' claim 'Scottish independence would be win for Putin'

SCOTLAND becoming independent would be a “win” for Vladimir Putin, a UK defence minister has claimed.

Scottish independence would be a 'win' for Vladimir Putin and Russia

Luke Pollard, the Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, suggested that John Swinney was "not helping" the UK's national security through his policy of getting rid of the UK's nuclear deterrent on the River Clyde.

Scottish independence would be a 'win' for Vladimir Putin, warns UK defence minister

The UK Minister for Defence Readiness tore into the SNP's strident opposition to nuclear weapons and accused the Scottish Government of "attacking" submariners working on the Clyde.

Scottish independence a ‘win for Putin’, defence minister claims

The SNP has a long-standing opposition to nuclear weapons in an independent Scotland.

Minister warns independence would weaken UK defence

Scottish independence would weaken the UK’s defence posture and hand Vladimir Putin a “win,” according to Defence Procurement Minister Luke Pollard. Speaking to Scottish journalists in London, Pollard said that removing the UK’s nuclear deterrent from Scottish waters, as proposed by the Scottish Government, would make Britain less secure and risk thousands of defence jobs. “The thing that Putin fears most about the UK is our nuclear deterrent,” …