Scottish Labour’s deputy leader Jackie Baillie has warned that the UK must not compromise its security as the global order shifts, citing the potential threat of Russian forces in the North Sea.
She argues that increased defence spending will not only strengthen national security but also benefit Scotland’s economy.
In a column for The Scotsman, Baillie highlighted concerns that “the prospect of Russian forces in the North Sea is an unsettling one” and pointed to recent warnings from UK ministers about the possibility of Moscow deploying unmanned submarine fleets to disrupt subsea cable networks.
Baillie, whose Dumbarton constituency includes the Faslane naval base, emphasised Scotland’s crucial role in national defence. She noted that the base “employs thousands of people directly on the base as well as thousands more in the wider local economy,” arguing that the UK’s renewed focus on defence will reinforce Scotland’s strategic position.
The UK government’s decision to prioritise defence spending over international development has sparked debate, but Baillie contends that “investing in defence will also stimulate our wider economy.” She also criticised the SNP’s long-standing opposition to Trident, urging them to reconsider their stance in light of global security threats. “Tell that to Ukraine,” she wrote, referencing Kyiv’s 1994 decision to relinquish its nuclear weapons in exchange for security guarantees that ultimately failed.
Beyond defence, Baillie sees opportunities for Scotland in clean energy and advanced technology, with Labour’s plans for a national energy company in Aberdeen and a greater focus on workforce training. She stressed the importance of adapting to geopolitical shifts, stating, “we must therefore not compromise our security.”
“Together, we are stronger”.