Alex Salmond accused of 'talking down' Royal Navy Philip Hammond, the Defence Secretary, has previously said the SNP no not appear to understand that defence is organised on a UK-wide basis, meaning ships and aircraft based south of the Border help secure Scotland's waters. But, speaking in Shetland, Mr Salmond said: "At present what we have, we don't need. And what we need, we don't have. Our current naval capability is based on prestige, not performance. He added: "It is absurd for a nation with a coastline longer than India's to have no major surface vessels." Gemma Doyle, Labour's Shadow Defence Minster, said: "Alex Salmond should stop talking our Navy down. Thousands of Scots proudly serve in the UK Royal Navy to keep us safe. He should suggest to our Royal Marines that their capability is based on prestige, not performance and see where that gets him. A Scotland Office spokesman said: "Yet again the Scottish Government have passed up an opportunity to share a coherent, positive and substantive plan with the people of Scotland." A series of expert reports have been highly critical of SNP defence policy, with one warning plans to revive the historic regiments would leave Scotland with a "heavily Army-centric" defence force despite maritime and air security being more important. The Ditchley Foundation, a high-level think tank that includes experts from across the world, became the latest group to conclude yesterday the SNP's opposition to Trident would be a "major complicating factor" to joining Nato.