The end of centuries of shipbuilding in Portsmouth is a severe blow and, in my view, shortsighted. Our military capability has taken a number of knocks in recent years as budgets are cut and I don't believe the electorate support these moves. The defence of our realm, dependents and meeting our many commitments, not least to NATO, should be our top priority as politicians. It's a matter of priorities and, get them wrong, defence tends to targeted by governments of all colours when money is short. I cannot believe that losing our warship-building skills in England is in the nation's best interest. There are accusations of a political fix as future shipbuilding required by the MOD will now take place in the Clyde; this before Scotland has its referendum on independence. If that is the case, the Government has made a serious mistake. I understand that if, indeed, Scotland wins its independence, shipbuilding will return to England. Mr Salmond argues, understandably, that if the Clyde is the best place to build warships, why would independence change anything. It's a fair point. Politics and defence are a toxic mix unless the latter is treated objectively. Woe betide those who put political expediency before the defence of our country.