There are times when the SNP’s attempts to persuade us that there are no regrettable consequences to Scottish independence cross the line between worthy and absurd. The future of shipbuilding on the Clyde is one such case. According to the nationalists the suggestion that the Royal Navy (or what is left of it) might be less likely to place orders with Scottish yards is just the usual “scaremongering” put about by Unionist parties that want to put the frighteners on braw and brave Caledonia.
Aye right. It is, of course, true that an independent Scotland might have modest shipbuilding needs. True too that the Clyde yards, if they remained open, could bid for international business. But one can accept this while also recognising that they must be less well-placed to attract custom from the Ministry of Defence than is presently the case. To pretend otherwise is, in the end, silly and diminishes the SNP’s credentials as a serious political party.
The absurdity of the SNP’s position is demonstrated by a simple question: does anyone imagine that Edinburgh would place orders for a new fishery protection vessel with an English yard? It seems fairly improbable.
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in