SNP policy on NATO

The review group looking at SNP defence, international and security policy has recommended that the party retain its policy of negotiating a withdrawal from NATO. The group was chaired by SNP deputy leader Roseanna Cunningham.

The report reaffirmed the party's opposition to nuclear weapons as "a fundemental and unshakeable" commitment. This would mean no manufacture, storage or location of nuclear weapons in Scotland and a "negotiated withdrawal" of Trident from the Clyde. Nuclear-armed vessels would be banned from Scotland's land, sea or airspace and "this would be non-negotiable".

On NATO the report recognises that on independence Scotland would inherit the Treaty commitments of the UK. However it goes on to say that "The SNP is opposed to an independent Scotland remaining a member of NATO while it continues to be a nuclear-weapons-based alliance". It therefore calls for a negotiated withdrawal from the alliance - "We acknowledge that it will be necessary to negotiate the terms and timescale of Scotland's withdrawal consistent with the international situation at the time."

The report proposes that the SNP should make international co-operation the keystone of international policy including participation in the EU's common foreign and security policy, NATO's partnership for peace programme, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the United Nations.