“The Ministry of Defence have finally admitted that they are considering what to do with Trident if Scotland votes for independence. The reality is that there is nowhere for Trident to go. It would be too expensive and controversial to rebuild Coulport in Cornwall or Wales. In theory David Cameron could ask Nicola Sarkozy or Barack Obama to host our Trident submarines. But there would be insurmountable political obstacles to basing British nuclear weapons in France or the USA. We should not be forced to accept these Weapons of Mass Destruction here in Scotland, just because no one else will have them”

- Arthur West, chair Scottish CND. Comment following stories in the Sunday Mail and Sunday Express.

The Financial Times reports that the Ministry of Defence are considering contingency plans for Trident in the event of a Yes vote in the referendum on Scottish independence. Officials have been aware of the issue since the plans for Trident replacement were published in 2006. It is thought that detailed proposals are now being examined in the light of the referendum taking place in 2014.  Officials acknowledge that moving Trident would be extremely expensive. Professor Malcolm Chalmers said that a new Scottish state would be under pressure to give way on Trident, but they might not do so.