Group Communique
The Working Group on Scotland Without Nuclear Weapons met on Wednesday April 9 for the first time.
The Group welcomed the opportunity to participate in discussions about discussed its governance arrangements and work programme and agreed that it should aim to produce a report for Ministers covering the five key issues identified in the remit.
The Group heard introductory presentations on three of the issues identified in the remit:
- In the event of a decision to remove nuclear weapons from HM Naval Base Clyde, to examine the economic impact and to identify options for the development of alternative employment opportunities
- Explore the implications of seeking observer status at the Non-Proliferation Treaty Group and advise the Scottish Government on that process
- Consider the adequacy of the current licensing and regulatory framework that exists in relation to HM Naval Base Clyde in relation to environmental, planning and transport issues
It considered how it might take forward further work to develop each of these themes, and agreed that initial discussions on the two remaining items should be held at the next meeting, scheduled for August 27, 2008.
The Group commented that initial discussions had been positive, constructive and involved a high degree of engagement .
Minutes of the Group's meeting will be placed on the website no later than July 9, 2008.