The Scottish National Party (SNP) recently announced the appointment of MP Martin Docherty-Hughes MP as its defence spokesperson.

Following almost half a decade on the House of Commons Defence Committee, Docherty-Hughes will now lead the party’s defence portfolio, a move that promises a renewed focus on Scotland’s role in European security.

In a series of tweets, Docherty-Hughes expressed his gratitude and excitement about his new role.

Amid growing international tensions, Docherty-Hughes also voiced his support for Ukraine, emphasising its relevance to broader global democracy.

“This is a time of huge challenge for our collective security: and I will continue to support giving the people of Ukraine whatever they need to defeat Putin’s aggression and return to their 1991 borders. Their struggle is a struggle for democracy everywhere,” he stressed.

Reiterating Scotland’s intrinsic ties to Europe, Docherty-Hughes noted, “Scotland is a European nation — you can’t tilt our islands of the North Atlantic off the European map. So while Labour and Tory keep their heads firmly in the sand, the SNP will be resolute in our calls for a comprehensive defence & security deal with the EU.”

Drawing from personal experiences, Docherty-Hughes shared his deep respect for the military community and commitment to their welfare.

“And as someone from a forces family, I know the sacrifices those in uniform make to keep us safe: yet also how they have missed out on many of the basic obligations the state owes them as public servants. In this cost of living crisis, I’ll put personnel before platforms,” he promised.

Martin Docherty-Hughes’ appointment marks a new chapter for the SNP’s defence narrative. As Scotland grapples with its role in the broader European security landscape, all eyes will be on how Docherty-Hughes shapes the party’s strategic approach. Stay tuned for further insights and updates on this evolving story.

As an organisation, the UK Defence Journal remains steadfast in its commitment to neutrality. We hold no political affiliations and firmly believe in presenting viewpoints from all legitimate political parties, as we always do.

Our primary goal is to provide accurate, unbiased reporting to our readers, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of defence-related events and decisions.

George Allison
George Allison
George has a degree in Cyber Security from Glasgow Caledonian University and has a keen interest in naval and cyber security matters and has appeared on national radio and television to discuss current events. George is on Twitter at @geoallison
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18 COMMENTS

    • Some of these questions are either obscure or could be researched by his research assistant from Open Source. None are that perceptive.
      He seems keen on EU defence initiatives, but does not mention NATO.

      • Yes. Good catch
        Scotland’s GDP is £250 bill, so 2% of that would be 5 bill.
        Something makes me think independent Scotland will be more like Ireland and spend 0.26% of GDP ( of course 20% of Irelands GDP is merely from being a tax haven for world wide technology giants and London based financial behemoths , the money only goes through books/servers not a proper part of the economy)

  2. The SNP have fouled up just about every brief they’ve ever had: Lord only knows what they will do with this one.

  3. Is it illegal for any SNP spokesperson to write one paragraph of text without talking about the inevitability of independence? Just asking, I thought that was a decision for us voters?

  4. A, Can we have his opinion on whether there are RN ships in Scotland?

    B. Any ships under construction in Scotland?

    C. Is he advocating an EU army?

    D. Does he know of any campervans going cheap?

  5. We now have a defence sec that things the airforce managers the aircraft carriers. I understand he can’t know everything from the start but surely he did some basic research before going in front of the media. Boris laziness lives on it seems

    If the government PM responsible for the armed forces hasn’t got a clue, do we really expect more from the other parties who would do a reshuffle if they ever got into government.

    • He set the new standard after getting away with it for years. We are now seeing it become common for ministers to not do their job and just outright lie when asked about it. Not saying things were miles better before him but at least they tried to spin things rather than not even trying and just making up things.

      The worrying thing is nardine isn’t even the worst case of doing nothing there are multiple others that have been doing it for longer just not making news.

      When the schools / concrete crisis hit and hunt said there would be no extra money for it, I was you what come on how lazy as a politicians is that, he should at least promise unspecifiied money in the unspecified future, but didn’t think that was required.

      • If 40% of then actually voted they could bring in meaningful change, instead they leave it to people focused on retirement and personal wealth in their 50s+

    • Indeed, a Defence Secretary who has yet to comprehend the traditional ‘nuances’ that delineate the armed services: for instance ‘RN’ (Royal Navy); ‘RAF’ (Royal Air Force).
      On the positive side, that would qualify the entire UK population for the role, including those still in kindergarten – if you’re happy to disregard urgent issues touching our national security. And have close links to the ‘PM’ (Prime Minister).

  6. Hopefully this person can help hold the defence secretary to account, praise him when he succeeds and pull him up when he fails.
    Also hoping that seeing as he’s been on the defence committee he may know a little about defence and the challenges it faces.
    I live in hope. First task is to remind the defence secretary that the RAF do air the navy do water.

  7. I am not into 4 legs good, 2 legs bad type labelling so wish Martin well in his new role. As to politicians generally, on the face of it one might conclude that standards have diminished the world over! On the other hand, in this new world with instant and close up no holds barred media, all the warts are exposed and its seems standards and taboos have vanished. Can you imagine in the ” old days ” if you heard someone saying F*** in the House of Commons or in an interview!! 😵 Also, in the olden days most Defence secretaries and Prime Ministers had actually served in the Armed Forces. Appointing Grant Shapps to his role is akin to hiring a Librarian to run a diesel workshop!
    Last-if you think your politicians are bad, ours in SA make yours look like Sunday school teachers-ask Klonkie!
    Cheers from a 30 Degree at noon Durban
    PS Off the top of my head-Attlee, Churchill, Eden, MacMillan, Douglas-Home, Heath, Healey, Callaghan , Nott all served in the military in the good olde days

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