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Jim Tolson - Press Release
Embargo: Immediate, 27 February, 2007
No Aircraft Carriers for Rosyth if Scotland goes independent, claims Tolson
If Scotland were to become independent Rosyth Dockyard would lose vital contracts for two new Aircraft Carriers which would almost certainly lead to the closure of the yard, claims Lib Dem Scottish Parliamentary Spokesman, Jim Tolson. This claim is further backed up by Nationalist MSP Alex Neil’s recent insistence that £1bn be cut from Scotland ’s defence budget should Scotland become independent.
A Government decision on the two Aircraft Carriers is expected in the near future and would result in an increase in the workforce from approximately 1200 to 1800. However, Rosyth would almost certainly lose any work if Scotland were to become independent.
“Independence would threaten the future of the dockyard,” said Jim Tolson, who worked at the yard for 19 years as a mechanical fitter. “The workforce has been making great strides in recent years to diversify and were successful in securing work for Heathrow Terminal 5. But it is widely recognised that the yard needs these two Aircraft Carriers to supplement the other defence and commercial work.”
“An independent Scottish Navy could not afford two whole aircraft carriers and it is almost certain that the Westminster government for Wales , Northern Ireland and England would want to place work for the Carriers with other yards.”
“Other work like refits, design & technology and supply chain services would also go as they are heavily dependent on work from the Ministry of Defence.”
“Rosyth Dockyard is still a significant employer and economic driver for our economy. If it were to close or be run down it would be devastating for the Rosyth and West Fife .”
ENDS