The UK Government has formally launched its long-term Clyde 2070 redevelopment programme, with an initial £250 million investment to upgrade His Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde in Faslane.
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray and Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry Maria Eagle visited the base on Wednesday to outline the first stage of what is set to become a multi-decade, multi-billion pound programme aimed at modernising the home of the UK’s nuclear deterrent and Royal Navy Submarine Service.
The announcement marks the official start of a Spending Review defence dividend for Scotland, funding infrastructure upgrades over the next three years and supporting skilled jobs in the West of Scotland. HMNB Clyde is Scotland’s largest military establishment and second biggest employment site, hosting over 6,500 military and civilian personnel.
Mr Murray said the investment reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to both national defence and regional economic growth.
“This defence dividend for Scotland will help ensure Britain’s security, deter our adversaries and drive economic growth in the area for years to come as part of our Plan for Change. With Faslane home to the nation’s first and final line of defence – the UK’s nuclear deterrent, it’s only right that Clyde 2070 represents one of the most significant UK Government investments over the coming decades. It will ensure the Royal Navy can deliver the Continuous At Sea Deterrent from a modern, efficient base which will result in a better environment for our hero submariners to live, work and train in.
Crucially it will also create skilled jobs – including for small and medium size firms – boost the economy and help tackle the critical skills gaps facing the country in sectors such as nuclear, construction, maritime and project management, by bringing together government, Scottish communities, industry, supply chains and academia to address the challenges.”
He added that the investment would help address national skills shortages by creating new opportunities across sectors such as nuclear, construction, maritime and project management.
“The Defence Nuclear Enterprise already supports a supply chain of over 3,000 businesses across the UK, benefiting regions like the West of Scotland, and I urge the Scottish Government to work with us on maximising these clear benefits.”
The £250 million commitment will focus on enabling activity, master planning, and the development of major programme approvals, including preparations for the arrival of the next-generation Dreadnought-class and SSN-AUKUS submarines. The base’s infrastructure and working environment will be overhauled to meet the requirements of these future platforms.
Minister Maria Eagle stressed the strategic importance of the project:
“Our nuclear deterrent is the bedrock of the UK’s defence and the cornerstone of our commitment to NATO and global security and Scotland plays a crucial role in that. We are today re-affirming that unshakeable commitment by launching this multi-billion-pound investment to His Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde, which is vital to our deterrence capability.
“The initial £250 million of funding over 3 years will support jobs, skills and growth across the West of Scotland. This Government will keep the UK safe for generations to come while delivering on the Plan for Change and making defence an engine for growth.”
The ministers also met with senior Royal Navy leaders, local MPs, and council officials from Argyll and Bute, Inverclyde and West Dunbartonshire to discuss coordination across government and local authorities. Council representatives highlighted the need to align the development with regional infrastructure and workforce planning.
Jim Lynch, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council, said: “Close coordination with local councils and particularly Argyll and Bute is vital to maximise the potential economic benefits and to manage local infrastructure and skills issues as HMNB Clyde develops. I welcome the opportunity to discuss these issues with the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry.”
Work is already under way at Faslane.
Good news and more to come.
Hmmm… perhaps some reference to GBAD? HMNB Clyde is undoubtedly on the CRINKs’ UK Top Ten Priority list. 🤔
Clyde 2070!!
It was bad enough with Army 2020, then Army2020R, then future force 2035, then 12 SSN sometime in the future when no one current will be around to pay.
All part of HMGs current in vogue saying “plan for change.”
What does all this involve? I thought it was announced years ago that the base would be upgraded to accept Astute as the force left Devonport. And surely this is not project Euston?
The costs run into the billions.
Great news, it shows we are planning for the future, whatever it may bring.
Having “up to 12 SSN’s” will create issues somewhere down the line without this work.
Now then, what about the 20 or so boats still awaiting decomissioning ?