The pay and pensions of frontline servicemen and woman, as well as those injured in the line of duty, would be put at risk if the SNP voted against the UK defence budget, it has been claimed.
SNP depute leader Stewart Hosie said in a TV interview his MPs would “vote against spending we wouldn’t like to see” on defence, specifically in relation to the Trident nuclear weapon fleet.
But UK Government supply estimate documents confirm the terms cover the likes of personnel costs, repair, maintenance, procurement and research.
Dunfermline and West Fife Labour candidate Thomas Docherty accused the SNP of “putting ideology ahead of supporting our armed forces and Fife industry”, as the defence budget must be voted on in its entirety.
Dundee East candidate Mr Hosie specifically referred to the estimates as the point where his party would reject spending plans.
But SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon said the party would not vote down defence spending plans, only opposing the renewal of Trident when it appears as a single issue.
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson backed Defence Secretary Michael Fallon, who this week refused to confirm the Tories would vote with a minority Labour government to renew Trident.
She said: “Michael Fallon hasn’t seen Labour proposals because there aren’t any. Britain should have the capability of one boat at sea at all times, as that is what a deterrent is all about.”