by Colin Fleming, Research Fellow, Project Leader on Defence and Security, Scottish Centre on Constitutional Change
The White Paper sets out a comprehensive defence blueprint in the event of Independence. While some of the Scottish Government (SG) defence aspirations will be shaped through negotiation – particularly regarding the nuclear deterrent and the division of assets, on NATO membership and its proposed defence structure the SG has sought to reassure the Scottish people, the rest of the United Kingdom and potential allies that it will take its defence responsibilities seriously.
