Prospect’s national executive committee had to issue a statement reiterating its political neutrality after delegates backed a motion calling for government assurances “that all future warships built for the Royal Navy will be constructed wholly within the United Kingdom and that sovereign capability will be retained”.

The statement said that whatever the outcome of the Scottish referendum, “Prospect will continue to support all members and their jobs irrespective of where they are based and what country they work in.”

Earlier, the motion’s mover Tom James (BAE Surface Ships) outlined the devastating impact of BAE Systems’ decision to stop shipbuilding in Portsmouth – around 1,000 job losses and a knock-on effect on the local economy.

“Yes, it was a commercial decision, driven by the lack of orders from the government because they failed to meet the terms of business agreement they signed with BAE Systems some years earlier,” he said.

Regardless of the referendum result, jobs in Glasgow and Rosyth would be at risk if there were no new orders, he warned.

“There used to be over 20,000 shipbuilders in the Clyde shipyards, there’s about 3,000 now. Soon there may be none. When these jobs go, so do skills, experience and knowledge that will never return. This is why we have to retain a sovereign capability.”

Martin Pennycook (MOD Equipment and Support) said delegates had to remit the motion because of the way it was worded.

“If Scotland votes for independence and goes on to become an independent country it will no longer be part of the United Kingdom, but it will be still part of the British Isles. We need to remit this motion and change those words from United Kingdom to British Isles. Otherwise we as an organisation are supporting or taking away the opportunity for people in Scotland to retain those jobs.”

Bill Bennett (Scottish Regional branch) also spoke in favour of remission but the motion was carried.

NEC statement

“Regarding the debate and decision taken by conference on motion 90.

“It is important to note that Prospect is apolitical and maintaining absolute neutrality on issues surrounding the referendum.

“There has been a challenge over the neutrality of motion 90, given the motion’s instruction around reference to the UK.

“The NEC wants to make it clear that irrespective of the outcome of the referendum, Prospect will continue to support all members and their jobs irrespective of where they are based and what country they work in.

“The DMLG and the Scotland Committee will continue to engage with both the Scottish and Westminster governments to ensure the continuation of shipbuilding in the UK and in an independent Scotland, if this is the result of the referendum ballot.

“Prospect restates its position of political neutrality and the passing of motion 90 in no way changes or undermines this position.

“If there were to be a ‘yes’ vote in the referendum then Prospect would need to review both the impact and intent of motion 90 along with many other policies.”