Scotland’s shipbuilding sector set for expansion

In an article penned by Defence Secretary Grant Shapps and published in The Scotsman, the UK government stated that boosting defence spending will substantially bolster Scotland’s economy, particularly its shipbuilding industry.

During his recent visits to the Clyde and Rosyth shipyards, Shapps emphasised the significance of the investment.

“On the Clyde and at Rosyth, thousands of people are working to build the most advanced frigates the Royal Navy has ever seen,” he wrote.

According to Shapps in his article, the defence spending increase will inject over £2 billion annually into the Scottish defence sector, supporting over 12,000 jobs. He elaborated on the economic impact, stating, “This is fuelling jobs and growth, with more than 12,000 Scottish jobs supported through this spending.”

Shapps detailed the ongoing projects in the shipyards: “In Govan, the Type 26 frigates have secured the long-term future of shipbuilding on the Clyde, with eight on order or in construction. On the Forth, five Type 31 frigates are being built in Rosyth, sustaining 2,500 jobs and increasing our export potential.”

In his Scotsman article, the Defence Secretary also criticised the spending plan policies of the Scottish National Party, suggesting they fall short of what is required for national and allied security. “It is in sharp contrast to the SNP Scottish Government, which has pledged only to meet the NATO minimum spend of two percent – without any explanation of how that commitment would be met,” he commented.