Delegation to make its case for aircraft carrier contract

DEFENCE Secretary Liam Fox is to meet a cross-party delegation from Scotland, along with trade union representatives, to hear their case for going ahead with the £5 billion aircraft carriers contract vital to Rosyth and the Clyde.

The parties and trade unions aim to agree a joint submission to the UK Government's strategic defence review by the end of the week, setting out arguments against cutting the carriers or RAF bases in Scotland.

First Minister Alex Salmond yesterday chaired a second cross-party meeting to discuss the submission. The offer of a meeting with Mr Fox was relayed to the meeting by Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Tavish Scott.

A spokesman for Mr Salmond said: "Our priority is building the maximum unity across the political spectrum and across Scotland. The more unified we can make Scotland's voice the more effective and powerful Scotland's voice as the key decisions are taken."