I do not have confidence UK is safe from Russian threats, says Swinney

Figure caption, John Swinney: There is an obligation on the UK Government to ensure the country is safe

First Minister John Swinney says he does not have confidence the UK is safe from potential Russian threats.

The SNP leader said the UK government, which is in charge of Britain's defences, did not have a sufficient "presence" in vulnerable areas off Scotland's coast.

He said he was "very worried" by security fears highlighted this week by the head of MI5, Sir Ken McCallum, who named Russia as "aggressor number one".

Speaking to BBC Scotland News ahead of the SNP's annual conference, Swinney also denied that independence would weaken Scotland's security.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said his government is committed to investing in defence, including nuclear deterrence, while not seeking to escalate tensions with Russia.

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