SNP warned against playing 'fast and loose' with thousands of jobs over Trident

Updated

A shipbuilding union has accused the SNP of playing "fast and loose" with Scottish jobs and the economy with its opposition to Trident renewal.

The SNP has a long-standing opposition to nuclear weapons and has confirmed its intention to oppose the renewal of the Clyde-based nuclear fleet when it goes to the vote at Westminster on July 18.

GMB Scotland said the Conservatives were keen to move shipbuilding work promised to Scotland to their political heartlands in England, and feared the SNP's opposition to Trident would be seen as a lack of support for the jobs it brings to Scotland.

Gary Cook, GMB Scotland organiser, said: "As we have seen on the Upper Clyde, given half a chance the Tories will take the work promised to Scotland back to their political base and there is no shortage of areas in the south that are crying out for work of this value.

"So without any support for the vital jobs, skills and the high value terms and conditions our members hold, Scotland is in real danger of wishing away the economic and employment benefits of renewal.

"Our economy is flirting dangerously with recession, we are struggling to achieve any sort of meaningful growth and we are haemorrhaging industrial jobs hand over fist through the decline of the offshore sector and neglect of our manufacturing base.

"Scotland is in no position to play fast and loose with thousands of high-value jobs dependent on Trident renewal or with the prosperity of the working-class communities delivering this valuable work on the Clyde and in Fife."

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