During a recent debate in the House of Lords, peers discussed Scotland’s pivotal role in the UK’s defence strategy, particularly concerning the North Atlantic and Arctic regions.
Baroness Eaton (Conservative) opened the discussion by asking about Scotland’s ongoing contribution to monitoring and responding to threats in these regions. In response, Lord Coaker (Lab) affirmed:
“Scotland is crucial to the defence of the United Kingdom, but beyond that is the importance of the role that the bases in Scotland play in the defence of, for example, the Arctic and the Greenland Gap. One example of that is RAF Lossiemouth, which is a crucial RAF base for the Ministry of Defence and for the defence of our country. The aircraft based there, such as the Typhoons and the various intelligence aircraft that are there to gather information, are crucial to us.”
The debate also touched on the issue of the independent nuclear deterrent and Scotland’s stance on it. Lord Foulkes of Cumnock (Lab Co-op) highlighted the perceived inconsistency of the Scottish National Party (SNP) in opposing nuclear facilities in Scotland while being willing to retain the deterrent if based in England.
Lord Coaker noted:
“The base on Faslane—the nuclear deterrent provided there—is fundamental to the defence of our country. I note that even a former leader of the SNP is now talking about the need to maintain that nuclear deterrent, even if it were to be based in England.”
Lord Walney (Crossbench) spoke on the importance of supporting defence jobs throughout the UK, irrespective of political views. He remarked:
“Whatever the views of the SNP Government or, indeed, any Administration, on a particular conflict, is it not vital that all parts of this United Kingdom get behind our defence sector? You can consider yourself pro-Israel or pro-Palestine, but to be pro-Scotland you have to back defence jobs in all parts of the UK, including north of the border.”
In response, Lord Coaker pointed out the significant defence-related employment in Scotland:
“There are some 25,000 to 26,000 defence-related jobs across Scotland and that will increase, I would suggest, with the increased expenditure that we will see. The important point to make is that the defence of the UK requires the integrated union that we have.”
Baroness Goldie (Con) raised concerns about Scotland’s higher tax rates compared to the rest of the UK, questioning their impact on defence industry recruitment. She said:
“Because of the SNP, Scotland is now the highest-taxed part of the United Kingdom, with many recruiters having to offer compensatory packages to attract high-calibre personnel to Scotland.”
Lord Coaker acknowledged the issue, noting that the Government would consult with Scottish industry on the effects of taxation, but also highlighted the strength of shipbuilding efforts on the Clyde and at Rosyth, where eight Type 26 frigates and five Type 31 frigates are being built:
“Scotland and Scottish industry should be proud of the way they are contributing to the defence of our country.”
So critical Gannet, Kinloss, Leuchars were all closed as RN and RAF Stations.
Thank God the infrastructure and runways remain available.