In a recent House of Lords exchange, issues were discussed relating to defence spending, Scotland’s strategic importance, and the UK’s industrial strategy.
Lord Stirrup raised the strategic value of Scotland within the UK, pointing to the presence of major military bases, including an RAF base on the Moray Firth and the Royal Navy’s Faslane facility.
He highlighted the economic benefits these bring to the regions and suggested they could be enhanced further with adequate defence funding. He stated, “The presence of one of the RAF’s main operating bases on the Moray Firth and one of the Navy’s at Faslane, along with a number of Army units, reflect the strategic importance of Scotland within the union.”
Responding, Baroness Smith of Basildon, Leader of the House of Lords, acknowledged the importance of these installations both for national defence and local economies. She reiterated the government’s commitment to reaching a 2.5% GDP defence spending target but noted financial constraints inherited from prior administrations, referencing a £22 billion deficit.
Further discussions turned to the UK’s industrial strategy. Lord McNicol of West Kilbride questioned the government’s engagement with the Scottish Government regarding commitments in the strategy, which include initiatives in medicine manufacturing, offshore wind, and the Advanced Forming Research Centre in Strathclyde. Baroness Smith responded positively, noting that the industrial strategy forms a core part of the government’s agenda for economic growth, with Scottish stakeholders expected to welcome these initiatives.
The conversation also touched on intergovernmental relations. The Earl of Kinnoull asked about the continuity of quarterly reports on intergovernmental relations between the UK’s four governments, previously published by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities. Baroness Smith committed to looking into the matter, emphasising the importance of intergovernmental cooperation and accountability.
Scotlands been the most important part of the UK for defence since the steam engine and the rise of Russia.
There is a reason successive English governments since Edward the 1st wanted Scotland and much of the UK military strength was moved north since the start of the 19th century.
Any one know where my emoji have gone?
I noted that too. Assume it is related to the issues Dern highlighted, which has resulted in some functions being disabled until the issues are sorted.
Ok. Thanks.
I’m not sure that reason holds water anymore. Perhaps we should move South again or perhaps accept there are other reasons.
No mention of Wick’.