An exchange in the Scottish Parliament on 19 September saw MSPs clash over the government’s approach to exports, with opposition members accusing ministers of ignoring the defence sector despite major shipbuilding contracts boosting Scotland’s economy.
Murdo Fraser (Con, Mid Scotland and Fife) argued that defence exports, particularly shipbuilding, had been omitted from the Deputy First Minister’s remarks and a new government strategy paper. He highlighted the recent £10 billion Norwegian order for Type 26 frigates, which will sustain thousands of jobs across Scotland.
Paul Sweeney (Lab, Glasgow) directly challenged the Scottish Government’s stance, questioning why ministers had failed to engage with the UK’s National Shipbuilding Strategy despite Scotland hosting the bulk of the industry.
“Does Stephen Kerr not find it rather odd that, despite the national shipbuilding strategy having been around since about 2019, there has been very little engagement from the Scottish Government on delivering it, despite the bulk of the UK’s shipbuilding industry being in Scotland?” Sweeney asked.
Stephen Kerr (Con, Central Scotland) agreed, accusing the SNP of being unwilling to acknowledge the strength of the defence sector for ideological reasons. He argued the sector’s success, from the Type 26 to export prospects for the Type 31 frigates, should be a source of pride and opportunity.
Government ministers pushed back. Richard Lochhead, Minister for Business and Employment, said: “The Scottish Government has worked very closely with the defence sector since we came to office in 2007. Indeed, more than £90 million-worth of support has been given to the sector, and we recognise its importance to the Scottish economy.”
Despite this, opposition MSPs insisted the government was downplaying defence exports. Fraser accused ministers of student politics, while Kerr described SNP members as “hostile to the defence sector”.
