Scottish Labour MP Graeme Downie has hailed the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) as a clear affirmation of Scotland’s indispensable role in the UK’s national security and defence industry.
In a statement issued today, Downie highlighted both the strategic and economic value of Scottish defence contributions—while criticising the SNP’s stance on military matters.
“As the Strategic Defence Review makes clear, Scotland is vital to the security of the UK and the defence industries that protect us while creating and sustaining thousands of jobs across the country,” said Downie.
Highlighting Scotland’s increasing role in NATO operations and deterrence in the High North, he pointed to recent milestones in naval shipbuilding as evidence of Scottish excellence. “Scottish ingenuity and know-how will be vital to achieving that, whether that is in our armed forces themselves or in vital industries such as shipbuilding, where the last two weeks have seen significant milestones for both Type 26 and Type 31 Frigates, both made in Scotland,” he added.
Downie also took aim at the SNP’s record on defence policy, accusing the party of failing to back the Armed Forces or support shipbuilding jobs. “SNP dogma and dithering on defence risks both jobs and the security of our country. They have failed to back our armed forces, they have failed to back Scottish shipbuilding and they have failed to support opportunities for young people in our defence industries.”
Calling the SDR a “turning point” in preparing the UK for an increasingly dangerous global environment, Downie said the Labour government was “making sure Scotland can play its critical role, while the SNP puts our security and economy at risk.”
His remarks come one day after Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s major speech at BAE Govan, where he announced the creation of a hybrid Royal Navy, new munitions factories, and expanded submarine production—each with strong ties to Scotland’s defence economy.
There isn’t a bi election coming up by any chance?
What a coincidence. I believe there might be. (A bi election is one that can swing either way, right?)
I think he’s overly smug about this the performance of the Scottish performance is at least questionable if not unacceptable. a commitment to the shipbuilding industries elsewhere in the UK not to be acknowledged is a reminder that was last on this bunch. I’ll reserve judgement on the whole review when I get to see it.
Graeme Downie is the MP with Rosyth in his constituency and he fought long and hard to get more frigates built.
If the SNP retain power at the MSP election next year, you can expect yet more demands to close Faslane and declare Scotland a “nuclear free zone”. Next will come UDI and an invitation to Putin to send Russian “military advisors” to Holyrood. After Salmond’s performance producing violently anti-British pro-independence propaganda for Putin. broadcast on the Russian state “RT” TV channel, anything is possible
Whatever happened to the treason laws?
When is the actual review being published, rather than a few cherry-picked sound bites?
Once the public have lost interest?
Later today, apparently.
Apparently a speech by Healey to Parliament at 15:30, followed by the publication of the review.
So not long to wait, hopefully!
What concepts run through the minds of the SNP to take this pathway? Puzzling does not explain their thinking.