Downie: SNP defence stance risks jobs and deterrence

Graeme Downie MP has sharply criticised the Scottish Government’s approach to defence, accusing the SNP of adopting a “detached from reality” stance that could cost Scotland jobs and weaken the UK’s deterrence against adversaries like Russia.

“The SNP have said they want to support Scotland’s defence industry but would prefer if they didn’t make weapons,” said Downie during a debate in Holyrood on the economic contribution of defence to Scotland. “I have never heard a position more detached from reality but it is a position that could cost Scotland jobs and investment.”

He warned that, at a time of growing threats from states such as Russia, it was vital to ensure the UK Armed Forces were properly equipped.

“If we are to protect our country, we must meaningfully deter threats from countries like Russia and that means demonstrating we have modern armed forces with increased lethality,” he said.

Downie also criticised the Scottish Government for what he described as an unwillingness to support the Armed Forces in areas under devolved control. “Once again the SNP want the protection of UK armed forces but are unwilling to meaningfully support them even in devolved aspects such as skills,” he said.

The comments came during a debate led by Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser, which welcomed UK Government investment in defence infrastructure and shipbuilding across Scotland, while urging greater Scottish Government engagement to grow the sector.

Labour MSP Paul Sweeney, a former shipbuilder, also voiced concern over the Scottish Government’s failure to back a proposed naval welding centre in Inchinnan. “We need those industries and we need to support them,” said Sweeney, warning that a lack of support was sending the wrong message to thousands of skilled workers.