Scottish independence paper sets out defence and NATO plans

The Scottish Government has published a paper outlining how an independent Scotland would organise its defence and security, describing protection of its people as “the first duty of every independent country’s government.”

The report, part of the A Fresh Start with Independence series released on 8 October, proposes three central pillars for a future defence policy: joining NATO, participating in the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy, and building a “collaborative, mutually beneficial defence and security relationship with the UK as well as other strategic partners.”

Under the first pillar, the paper states that an independent Scotland would “seek discussions with NATO leaders with a view to joining as soon as possible.” The government says Scotland would “align with NATO’s defence principles,” contribute conventional forces to alliance operations, and help defend the strategically important Greenland–Iceland–UK Gap. It also pledges to support global non-proliferation and disarmament within the NATO framework.

Membership of the EU is presented as the second pillar. The paper says Scotland would participate fully in the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy, “joining the family of nations fully committed to the international rules-based system and multilateralism.” It highlights that EU defence initiatives combine military and civilian tools to “tackle challenges they cannot solve alone.”

The third pillar focuses on cooperation with neighbouring countries, particularly the UK and Ireland. The government argues that geography makes defence collaboration essential, saying an independent Scotland’s “most enduring defence and security partnership would be with the UK and Ireland.” It pledges to establish “joint readiness, capability and intelligence-sharing mechanisms” after a vote for independence to ensure security during the transition.

An independent Scotland would form its own armed forces with land, sea and air components overseen by a Joint Forces Headquarters. The structure and capabilities would be determined by a “comprehensive, expert-led Defence and Security Review” to be completed before independence. A new Scottish Security and Intelligence Agency would be created to manage intelligence, cyber security, and counter-terrorism, working closely with Police Scotland and international partners.

On nuclear weapons, the paper is categorical: “Nuclear weapons would have no place in an independent Scotland.” The government says it would make nuclear disarmament a constitutional duty and negotiate for the “safe and expeditious removal” of the UK’s nuclear arsenal from Scottish territory. It argues this position would not hinder NATO membership, noting that “only a minority of NATO members host nuclear weapons” and that Finland’s 2023 accession demonstrates it is not a precondition for joining.

The full report, A Fresh Start with Independence, is available through the Scottish Government’s website under the “Building a New Scotland” series.