The UK’s embarrassing nuclear missile test launch represents a wider failure in the UK government’s defence spending and strategy, the SNP has said.
Martin Docherty-Hughes MP, the party’s Defence spokesperson, said the failure to test launch one of the UK’s nuclear missiles, combined with the immorality of the weapons, shows why the Tories have been wrong to prioritise spending on weapons of mass destruction over conventional military capabilities and funding to tackle growing societal inequalities.
It’s expected the cost of renewing the UK’s Trident nuclear weapons systems will exceed £80 billion, during a cost of living crisis in which millions are struggling to keep up with mortgage, food and energy costs.
Commenting, Martin Docherty-Hughes MP said:
“This was a seriously expensive failure, and one that is symptomatic of the UK government’s wider defence spending and strategy.
“The financial burden imposed by Trident renewal is enormous and is coming at a great cost to our conventional military capabilities and ability to focus money on other priorities like supporting households through a cost of living crisis.
“This is the second failed test in a row of weapons that are costing us tens of billions – an embarrassing and scandalous fact that should serve as a wake-up call to the UK government.
“It speaks volumes of the Tory government’s spending priorities that it is intent on increasing its collection of weapons of mass destruction – which will sit and gather dust unless the UK has plans to indiscriminately wipe out entire populations – rather than address the serious challenges in both our conventional capabilities and the inequalities in our society that have been further exposed by over a decade of Tory rule.
“A clear majority of Scotland’s elected parliamentarians, both at Holyrood and Westminster, are opposed to Trident, as are large sections of society across Scotland, including many faith groups.
“Westminster control means continued cuts and a focus on horrific nuclear weapons.
“Only a vote for the SNP can ensure Scotland’s values are represented and our unique defence needs are met.”
