Salmond: On the attack

Ahead of a key government announcement on reforming the army, the SNP has urged the defence secretary not to "stab in the back" Scottish regiments such as the Black Watch.

Defence secretary Geoff Hoon is shortly expected to announce details of plans to scrap or merger many of the UK's historic army regiments.

Among those affected will be the Scottish regiments, which could be merged to form one new "super regiment".

Speaking ahead of the announcement, nationalist leader Alex Salmond said the "politically motivated plans have been a stab in the back for our brave troops".

"While the Black Watch and others have been putting their lives on the line for us all in Iraq, Blair and his cronies have been scheming over the break up of the regimental system in Scotland," he claimed.

"These plans are opposed by soldiers, former soldiers and the wider Scottish community, but still Labour appears set to press on.

"This is their final opportunity to wake up the disastrous potential of their plans and put things right.

"Geoff Hoon needs to show the same bravery as our troops and face up to his mistake.

"Labour have been spinning and weaving, ducking and diving on this issue, but now they must face up to the facts.

"Scotland's regiments are an effective, professional and valued part of the military in Scotland.  It simply makes no sense to disband them at the time at which their skills and experience is most needed."