SDR co-author Lord Robertson criticises SNP as he says some parties don't believe in defence

Former Defence Secretary Lord Robertson has criticised the SNP's position on the nuclear deterrent as he claimed some political parties "don't believe in defence".

The former head of Nato – who was one of the authors of last year's Strategic Defence Review – said their opposition to Trident "moves the needle inside the Kremlin".

The Labour peer told the Commons Scottish Affairs Committee: "I can't help but say there are some political parties that don't believe in defence, don't believe in defence at all.

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"That has created a degree of animosity towards the Armed Forces, towards recruitment, in society as a whole.

"There are elements in my party who are pacifists by nature and who have a different view to the one that I've taken."

When addressing SNP Westminster leader Dave Doogan he added: "Your party, in its hostility to Trident and to the independent nuclear deterrent,  is something which moves the needle inside the Kremlin."

Mr Doogan defended his party's position on defence – highlighting its calls for more investment in conventional warfighting equipment and support for warship manufacturing in Scotland as well as pointing out cuts made by the Labour and Conservative governments in Westminster.

He said: "As today's evidence session made clear, the Labour Party and Tories have spent decades cutting the UK's defence capabilities, and slashing our defence budgets, with Westminster austerity cuts.

"It is a disgrace that they have decimated our Armed Forces, reduced Scottish regiments, and left our personnel without the equipment and support they need in the face of growing international threats.

"The SNP has consistently led support for Scotland's Armed Forces – demanding more investment in our vital conventional defence capabilities and personnel.

"The SNP Scottish government has also invested millions in complex warship manufacturing on the Clyde and prioritised support for Scottish veterans.

"The SNP, like the majority of Scotland, does not want Westminster nuclear weapons on the Clyde.

"We believe the billions wasted on Trident would be much better spent on conventional defence to meet the threats we face, which Trident has not deterred.

"The SNP is committed to joining Nato as an independent country – and we will continue to lead support for Scotland's Armed Forces in the face of Westminster austerity cuts."