Government and Military

Cabinet Secretary for Parliamentary Business and Government Strategy

Bruce Crawford MSP

The Scottish Government, Riaghaltas na h-Alba,

Trident Ploughshares, Ground Floor Flat, 65 Sinclair Street, HELENSBURGH Dunbartonshire G84 8TG

Our ref: 2011/1005554

27 June 2011

Dear colleagues,

Thank you for your letter of 26 May 201 1 to the First Minister regarding the removal from Scotland and ultimate withdrawal of Trident. I have been asked to reply.

As you are of course aware, the Scottish Government remains firmly opposed to the possession, threat and use of nuclear weapons and has on a number of occasions challenged the UK Government to remove Trident from Scotland and to cancel plans for its replacement. Following the recent Scottish Parliament election, I would now like to explore how the Scottish Government can, over the next five years, work with the various peace groups and NGOs in taking forward the debate on nuclear disarmament and the campaign for the removal of Trident.

I have asked my officials to arrange a meeting in August to discuss these issues with your organisation and with other civil society contacts. In particular, I would like to explore the role that Scotland can play in the international peace arena, discussing opportunities for International Peace Day in September and planning further ahead for a significant focus on peace in 2014, which is set to be a considerable year in Scotland. My office will be in contact to clarify arrangements for that meeting.

With regard to your previous correspondence and matters of legality, I enclose my reply of 4th February which confirms that in accordance with the opinion of the High Court, the Scottish Government’s considered view is that there is no mechanism within Scots law for challenging the legality of Trident. I do however wish to explore all practicable options for the Scottish Government to challenge the presence of Trident in Scotland and I have asked my officials to consider your arguments on legality and the additional information you have provided, in order to provide a written response on this aspect in advance of our meeting.

I trust that this reply reassures you of the Scottish Government’s continued commitment to take a leading role in the debate on nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament and to support the campaign for the removal of Trident. I look forward to discussing these very important matters with you.

Yours faithfully

BRUCE CRAWFORD

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