The Scots Independent Newspaper Online

REPLACING TRIDENT

The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty was first signed in 1970 and then extended indefinitely in 1995. Basically it says that non-nuclear weapons states agree not to acquire nuclear weapons if those who have them agree to “pursue negotiations in good faith on effective measures relating to the cessation of the nuclear arms race at an early date and to nuclear disarmament under strict and effective international control.”

Blair’s decision to replace Trident demonstrates contempt for international law and our Treaty commitments.

Tony Blair is allowing the minimum of consultation that he thinks he can away with. If he were seeking a genuine debate then he would have published a Green Paper allowing MPs to amend. Instead he has presented the Westminster Parliament with a White Paper - a package that they can either accept or reject. The chances of them rejecting it are remote. There will be opposition from Scottish and Welsh Nationalists, maybe from the Lib-Dems and from Labour MPs with a conscience . Even some Conservatives such as former Minister Michael Ancram are speaking out against the project.

It is important that, if you have the chance, you speak out against it too. If we are silent then in years to come the pro-nuclear lobby will look back and say that the public had a chance to debate nuclear weapons and approved of them.

The majority of the Scottish people do not approve of them. In fact 30 of the 59 Scottish MPs are opposed to plans to replace the Trident nuclear weapons system. According to a BBC survey 25 MPs were definitely against Trident replacement and a further 5 were probably against. Of these 11 Labour MPs were definitely against and 4 probably against the plans. Only 10 MPS said they were definitely or probably in favour, but that figure increased to 22 when government ministers were included since they are obliged to support the government position.

It’s a big issue and New Labour could pay a heavy price in the Scottish Elections for its unprincipled stand.

SALMOND SETS OUT PLANS FOR NEW LOCAL LEVY ON TRIDENT

And while on the subject of Trident, Scottish National Party leader Mr Alex Salmond MP has said that an SNP led Scottish government will introduce legislation to impose a local levy on Trident nuclear warheads as they are transported through Scotland’s local authorities.

You may not be aware that convoys regularly use Scotland’s roads to transport nuclear warheads to and from Faslane and Coulport. The timing is secret, the routes vary but it is a fact.

At the moment the Scottish Parliament can’t remove Trident from Scottish waters. But we can take a stand and show that Scotland’s priorities are the wellbeing and future success of our citizens, not immoral nuclear weapons.

The “Trident Toll” would use devolved powers over local taxation to place a new charge on Trident, with an initial aim to raise £85 million a year – Scotland’s share of the cost of Britain’s nuclear weapons, money that could be better spent delivering improved local services. The levy would only apply to the nuclear warheads.

LABOUR NOT ABOVE THE LAW

So Ruth Turner, the Director of Government Relations - effectively the main link between Number 10 Downing St and the Labour Party – was arrested in connection with alleged offences under the Honours (Prevention of Abuses) Act 1925 and also on suspicion of perverting the course of justice. She was taken to a London police station where she was interviewed and later bailed to return pending further enquiries. She was arrested during an early morning call by police officers.

I suppose it could be called a dawn raid. The kind that some asylum seekers have experienced and many fear.

Over 90 people have now been interviewed, including Ruth Turner in September. For one of the alleged offences to be 'suspicion of perverting the course of justice' is particularly interesting, perhaps suggesting some sort of behind-the-scenes cover-up.

The Labour Party is not above the law. That is why it is unacceptable that Government Ministers, who for months refused to comment on this issue, are now turning on the police. The serious allegations of selling honours for political donations must be investigated fully, and the work of the Metropolitan Police should be supported by us all. The police must be allowed to carry out their investigation without political interference.

Jack McConnell was also interviewed by Scotland Yard detectives in their inquiry despite the fact that his only nomination for a peerage to the House of Lords was for Colin Boyd, the former Lord Advocate. I am quite convinced that this was a straightforward nomination with no strings attached since I have heard that Lord Boyd, a member of the Labour Party, is not a major donor unless you count a couple of bottles of whisky for the raffle!

ELECTORATE “WANTS A GREATER SAY IN POLITICS”

Interesting little piece in the Herald on Tuesday on the topic of the Power Inquiry. This Inquiry was launched in 2004 to explore how political participation can be increased and deepened in Britain. It is focused on Westminster politics.

The Inquiry is chaired by Dame Helena Kennedy who said, “British politics is in crisis. Trust is at an all-time low and people have little faith in politicians. Renewing our democracy cannot be left to the political class who fix their rules in their own interest.”

Only 80% of the people quizzed in an ICM poll feel involved in political decisions that affect them and almost 71% believe their vote makes little or no difference at Westminster.

The group was launching a campaign to force democratic change in the UK by encouraging more democratic rules, removing money and patronage from politics and giving the electorate greater say.

Roll on Independence!

I suggest the Secretary of State goes back and does his homework before the next Scottish Questions."

The Working Life of Linda Fabiani MSP