SCOTLAND’S trade union movement called on SNP ministers today to establish a Defence Diversification Agency to promote a “fair and sustainable shift” away from nuclear weapons.
A motion passed at the Scottish TUC’s annual congress said the “main focus” of such a body “would be planning and resourcing the diversification of jobs away from defence projects, such as Trident replacement.”
Proposing the motion, Kilmarnock and Loudoun Trades Union Council delegate Arthur West said: “There’s a body of work [on defence diversification] there that needs to be built on, but it does require continued engagement from the trade union movement.”
Investing the £75 billion slated for defence spending on a green new deal, healthcare and education would create jobs and help communities far more than weapons spending, argues UCU general secretary JO GRADY
As bus builder Alexander Dennis threatens Falkirk closure and Grangemouth faces ruthless shutdown by tax exile Jim Ratcliffe, RICHARD LEONARD MSP warns that global corporations must be resisted by a bold industrial strategy based on public ownership



