‘Scots independence would harm navy’

UK Navy chief Admiral Sir George Zambellas

An independent Scotland would weaken the effectiveness of the Royal Navy, Britain’s Navy chief has warned.

Admiral Sir George Zambellas wrote in the Telegraph on Monday that a ‘yes’ vote in Scotland’s independence referendum would weaken both the UK’s Royal Navy and the Scottish naval forces, and hence will fundamentally change maritime security for the entire UK.

“Independence would damage the very heart of the capabilities that are made up of the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and the Fleet Air Arm,” he wrote.

He noted while Britain’s Navy will eventually recover, the “deeper impact” will be felt in Scotland which will lose the security contribution of “one of the finest navies in the world.”

Meanwhile, British Defense Secretary Philip Hammond will give a speech in Scotland in which he will emphasize that the shared defense forces provide “security and peace of mind” for British people.
Britain’s Royal Navy has 16 ships and submarines and two Royal Marines Commando units based in Scotland.

Scotland’s National Party (SNP) promised to maintain all military bases in the country in case of a ‘yes’ vote and said they would have a share in some of the British defense equipment, a claim that has been rejected by coalition ministers.

Sir George’s remarks came days after recent surveys by Survation and Panelbase showed growing support for Scottish independence in the upcoming referendum.

The independence referendum, due to be held on September 18, could result in Scotland’s break-up from the UK after more than 300 years of political union.