Explore ‘Scotland’s Defence: Perspectives and Possibilities’, an exclusive UK Defence Journal series by Martin Docherty-Hughes MP, SNP Defence Spokesperson.
Docherty-Hughes, a respected voice from West Dunbartonshire with a deep-rooted family history in the forces and notable experience on the Defence Select Committee, lends his expertise and perspective to this critical discussion.
We at the UK Defence Journal are dedicated to showcasing diverse viewpoints, ensuring our content is balanced, informative, and thought-provoking. The aim of this series is to spark informed discussions and deepen understanding of Scotland’s defence strategies and policies, regardless of the readers’ stance on Scottish independence.
At the heart of the UK Defence Journal’s mission is our commitment to journalistic integrity. Our role is not to dictate opinions but to present information in a fair and balanced manner, allowing our readers to form their own informed views. This series exemplifies our dedication to offering diverse perspectives in the realm of defence and security. Our aim is to ignite discussions and deepen understanding among readers, irrespective of their stance on Scottish independence. The importance of exploring varied viewpoints in shaping an informed public discourse cannot be overstated.
Article 1 – Resilience and Security in an Independent Scotland
The article examines the UK’s defence and economic policies, highlighting their deficiencies. It references two reports: the National Audit Office’s revelation of a £16.8 billion shortfall in the Ministry of Defence’s Equipment Plan, and the Resolution Foundation’s critique of the UK’s economic policy leading to a stark disparity in living standards compared to Northern Europe. The author argues for a broader concept of security in an independent Scotland, encompassing both military and community welfare.
A new proposal in the article is the introduction of Multi-Year Defence Agreements (MYDAs). This policy suggestion is designed to unite all parliamentary parties in developing a sustainable, transparent defence funding package over a five-year period. The MYDA initiative aims to encourage robust dialogue among MPs, reduce political self-serving behaviours, and rectify financial mismanagement in defence expenditure. This approach is presented as a significant shift from the current UK defence policy, criticised for its opacity and detachment from public needs and understanding.
Article 2 – An Independent Scotland in the World
The article offers a comprehensive analysis of Scotland’s prospective foreign policy and defence strategies in the context of potential independence. It emphasises the crucial need to maintain robust security relationships with neighbouring nations, especially the UK (rUK) and Ireland, highlighting mutual geographic and security interests. Key discussions include the necessity of ‘losers consent’ for inclusivity, the interplay between Brexit and Scottish independence, and the advocacy for a comprehensive Defence and Security Agreement with the EU. The concept of a ‘Good Neighbourhood Treaty’ with rUK is proposed, aimed at establishing Scotland as a pivotal player in regional security and cooperation. Additionally, the article explores Ireland’s intricate security relationship with the UK, suggesting that Scotland might pursue a different path.
Furthermore, the article delves into strategic considerations surrounding the post-independence relocation of rUK’s Continuous at Sea Deterrent (CASD) from HMNB Clyde. It emphasises Scotland’s maritime security potential, given its extensive Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and geographic advantages, advocating for a shift from infantry-centric to maritime-focused defence. The importance of alliances with NATO and the EU in shaping Scotland’s foreign policy is also highlighted. The article examines the role of small states in international relations, citing Norway and Denmark as successful models. In conclusion, it advocates for an independent Scotland to develop a unique, effective, and regionally-aligned international stance, distinct from the UK’s approach, combining historical insights, current geopolitical challenges, and forward-thinking strategies to portray Scotland as a proactive, responsible, and collaborative international actor.
Article 3 – Bigger is better, or small is beautiful?
This article argues that the Brexit vote has provided proponents of independence with a new argument, suggesting that Scotland could maintain its European Union ties while becoming independent from the UK, challenging the notion that Scottish independence would mean leaving the EU’s single market. The “carrier conundrum” is highlighted as an example, where the loss of military capabilities is seen not only as a symbolic diminishment of global ambition but also as a practical reduction in security. However, the effectiveness of such military assets in demonstrating “Global Britain” has been questioned over time, suggesting that the arguments against Scottish independence based on security and global standing may have weakened.
The article further explores the role of smaller states in the international system, using Scotland’s potential position among these states as a case study. The author suggests that Scotland could thrive as a “normal” state, similar to other successful small states, with a strong economy, high education levels, and a positive international reputation. Drawing on the concept of “norm entrepreneurship,” the article cites examples of small states like the Scandinavian and Baltic countries, which have exerted influence on the global stage through strategic engagement in international institutions and advocacy for specific norms and policies. The discussion extends to the changing nature of global power dynamics, with the emergence of a “polycentric” order challenging the traditional dominance of “system effective” states. This provides a backdrop for arguing that smaller states can navigate the complexities of modern international relations successfully, suggesting a potential roadmap for an independent Scotland and, by extension, a repositioning strategy for the UK.
Article 4 – Ready (or not), here they come
In a detailed examination of the current state of the UK armed forces, the concept of readiness is brought to the forefront. Martin Docherty-Hughes MP scrutinises the UK’s preparedness, or rather the significant lack thereof, against a backdrop of international uncertainty and conflict. Readiness, as discussed, extends beyond conventional military capabilities, encompassing the agility and capability of forces to swiftly and effectively respond to immediate and future challenges. This deficiency in readiness not only reveals a crucial oversight in the UK’s defence strategy but also signals the urgent need for a shift towards a more sophisticated and holistic approach to national security.
Scotland is posited as a key player capable of leading this transformative approach towards military readiness. Docherty-Hughes presents Scotland’s position as advantageous for pioneering an innovative model of armed forces readiness that is apt for the current security landscape. He advocates for a strategy that marries the advancement of technology with the principles of social democracy, forming the foundation of defence planning and operations. This model suggests a shift away from traditional military paradigms towards one that is informed by a deep understanding of the socio-political dimensions of defence. Such a strategy not only aims to redefine what it means to be ‘ready’ but also places Scotland at the vanguard of developing a defence posture that is resilient, adaptive, and attuned to the complexities of modern warfare and peacekeeping efforts.