Scotland risks missing out on thousands of defence sector jobs due to skills shortages, with the Scottish Liberal Democrats calling on the government to do more to support the industry.
The comments from Jamie Greene, the party’s economy spokesperson, came in response to warnings reported in The Herald from defence trade body ADS about the potential impact of skills gaps on Scottish defence employment.
Greene was critical of the Scottish Government’s approach to the sector, stating: “The SNP have been repeatedly squeamish about encouraging opportunities in the defence sector. That has often led to them throwing the potential for job creation and economic growth under the bus.”
He pointed to longstanding shortfalls in key subject areas, adding: “Scottish Liberal Democrats have repeatedly highlighted the shortage of skills needed for sectors like defence, from maths and physics to computing and technical education.”
Greene called for greater government backing for the industry, saying: “We need to throw the weight and levers of government behind businesses that can help us succeed in industries like defence.”
The Scottish Liberal Democrats have said they would make defence a pillar of a new industrial strategy, with the aim of ensuring Scottish firms are positioned to benefit from increased UK Government defence spending.
The comments come ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections in May.
Christ, the Lib Dems are now pointing this out to the Working Partin in No. 10…