Scotland and security…
If this story had no political backdrop to it, this would not even be debatable. Scotland will undoubtedly become less secure without the English Intelligence services to support them.
The outcome of this debate will surely rest on Scotland’s foreign policy when independent. For example, if Scotland decides to avoid a tough stance on ISIS, Scotland’s risk profile will be lowered, therefore less resources will be required to protect them. I feel that this, as well as many other issues, have not been properly discussed in order for Scots to make an informed decision this week.
Sir John Scarlett said British intelligence services have been built up over decades – “work which cannot be replicated in just a few years”. The Scottish Government set out proposals to create a single agency for security and intelligence to ensure Scotland’s national security in its white paper on independence. Writing in the Times newspaper, Sir John, who served as chief of the British Secret Intelligence Service from 2004 to 2009, said: “In my view, the Scottish Government proposals will not offer the level of protection and support currently provided by the highly-sophisticated British security and intelligence agencies.”
