The long-awaited report from the Scottish Parliament Working Group on Scotland Without Nuclear Weapons was published on 18 November. It concluded that “there is a bright future for Scotland without nuclear weapons”, recommending that a route map be created for disarmament. The route map would include identifying the needs of the key communities and businesses most affected by the removal of nuclear weapons, so that assistance, including the allocation of a “disarmament dividend”, could be made available by the Scottish and UK governments.
Scotland’s contribution
The report also recommended that the Scottish Government seek representation on the UK delegation at the Non-Proliferation Treaty meetings in 2010 and investigate good practice elsewhere in the world in developing peace and reconciliation. It presented a vision of how Scotland might contribute to this work through engagement at an international level and through the development of peace education at home.
The report also requested the consideration of the adequacy of the current licensing and regulatory framework that exists in relation to HM Naval Base Clyde, and the passing of relevant information about hazards to local authorities in Scotland. The report was welcomed by the Scottish Government, stating a commitment to action on some of the recommendations. With most Scots opposed to Trident replacement, alongside the continued work of peace organisations in Scotland, this could be a live issue in Scotland in the 2010 general election.