The Ministry of Defence has said it is assessing the potential implications of the Scottish Government’s Defence Sector Support Policy, following a parliamentary question on its effect on national security and devolution oversight, the department stated.
The issue was raised by John Cooper, Conservative MP for Dumfries and Galloway, who asked what assessment the Defence Secretary had made of the Scottish Government policy set out to the Scottish Parliament in September 2025. Responding on behalf of the department, Minister of State for Defence Luke Pollard said the UK Government recognises the importance of Scotland’s defence industry to both national security and economic growth.
“This Government recognises the vital contribution that the Scottish defence industry has for the national security of the UK, while also being a key driver of economic growth,” he said.
Pollard pointed to recent and planned investment initiatives, including support for skills development linked to the UK’s nuclear deterrent programme.
“This is illustrated by the £2.5 million that this Government is providing to the Welding Skills Centre in Glasgow, which is developing the future skills pipeline needed to deliver the UK’s nuclear deterrent,” he said.
He added that work is also under way on a Scotland Defence Growth Deal, which will draw on a share of a £250 million investment fund intended to support defence industry activity across Scotland. The minister said it is important that both the UK and Scottish Governments maintain policies that support growth in the sector, within their respective areas of responsibility.
“We are liaising with Scottish Government and Scotland’s defence industry to understand the impact assessments that have been conducted on the Defence Sector Support Policy,” Pollard said.
The Scottish Government’s Defence Sector Support Policy was set out to the Scottish Parliament on 3 September 2025 and outlines the administration’s approach to engagement with defence-related industry within devolved competence.
