The UK Government has raised concerns about the potential impact of the Scottish Government’s defence sector support policy on jobs, skills and investment, following a parliamentary question, the UK Defence Journal understands.
In a written response to Conservative MP John Cooper, the Scotland Office said defence, national security, foreign affairs and export licensing remain reserved matters, and that responsibility for assessing and managing national security risks sits with the UK Government.
Responding on behalf of the Scotland Office, Parliamentary Under-Secretary Kirsty McNeill said the Scottish Government’s policy, set out to the Scottish Parliament in September 2025, would restrict public support for parts of Scotland’s defence industry. She said it is for the Scottish Government to explain the rationale behind the policy and how it will affect employment, skills development and inward investment within Scotland’s defence sector.
“The Scottish Government’s defence sector support policy will affect Scotland’s expanding defence industry by restricting support to many companies,” McNeill said. “It is the responsibility of the Scottish Government to explain its position, including how the policy will impact jobs, skills and investment in Scotland.”
The minister added that the UK Government continues to manage risks to national security through cross-government processes, including the National Risk Register. McNeill said her department is continuing to work with the Ministry of Defence to support the defence industry and the skilled employment it generates across Scotland. This includes progressing the Defence Growth Deal, which is intended to align with wider UK growth, defence and security priorities.
Said without a hint of irony. Put your money where your mouth is.
I suspect Jim may enjoy this one, I was born / bred in SW Scotland (nearest city is Belfast) raised in Derby and cry every time I go up home ! Funny thing is non of my family vote SNP (mind you some of them do have a thing about Orange Sashes, silly songs and bowler hats but hey ho they always forgive my accent and pay their round).
It’s almost as if the SNP are deliberately trying to goad the UK Government (ie the Evil English Imperialist Scots hating Fascists) into reading them the riot act in the run up to the SA elections ! They know damn well they are heading to a cliff edge in May and so are trying their best to cause a reaction from the UK government to boost the Nationalist credo.
It reminds me of the Old Tom and Jerry cartoons of Spike and his Pup, the pup would prod, pull, yap and generally annoy Spike just to see when Spike reacted (which was inevitable).
Defence, Gender identification issues, Foreign Policy, Overseas Aid and Security are all non devolved activities but the SNP are busily triumphing their own separate policies and spending Taxpayers money doing so. If you think their own Defence policy is a waste of money try the £11.75 million pa (22/23 figures) they spend on their 9 “International offices” (just can’t call them Scottish Embassies).
So instead of doing anything useful like ordering some new ships, controlling Drug use or sorting out the QEUH they fritter the Burnett formula money on having overseas offices in Beijing, Berlin, Copenhagen, Dublin and if anyone doesn’t believe me when I say they are taking the P their largest is in Brussels with 17 Staff and …….. London with 16 (go figure that one out 😏).
So roll on May and I just hope the SNP get slaughtered because I reckon Spike may well play Whackamole with them. Send in the Imperial Storm Troopers (FCA, SFO and HMRC).
Spot On. And lets not forget the people they have killed thanks to there incompetence
The SNP are anti defense and dyed in the wool socialists like there buddies the Greens. This the reason they don’t support defense. Hopefully in May we will get rid of the buggers who have been dragging our country down for nearly two decades.