Graeme Downie MP has sharply criticised the Scottish Authorities’s method to defence, accusing the SNP of adopting a “indifferent from actuality” stance that would value Scotland jobs and weaken the UK’s deterrence towards adversaries like Russia.
“The SNP have stated they wish to help Scotland’s defence business however would favor in the event that they didn’t make weapons,” stated Downie throughout a debate in Holyrood on the financial contribution of defence to Scotland. “I’ve by no means heard a place extra indifferent from actuality however it’s a place that would value Scotland jobs and funding.”
He warned that, at a time of rising threats from states akin to Russia, it was important to make sure the UK Armed Forces had been correctly outfitted.
“If we’re to guard our nation, we should meaningfully deter threats from international locations like Russia and meaning demonstrating we now have trendy armed forces with elevated lethality,” he stated.
Downie additionally criticised the Scottish Authorities for what he described as an unwillingness to help the Armed Forces in areas underneath devolved management. “As soon as once more the SNP need the safety of UK armed forces however are unwilling to meaningfully help them even in devolved facets akin to abilities,” he stated.
The feedback got here throughout a debate led by Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser, which welcomed UK Authorities funding in defence infrastructure and shipbuilding throughout Scotland, whereas urging larger Scottish Authorities engagement to develop the sector.
Labour MSP Paul Sweeney, a former shipbuilder, additionally voiced concern over the Scottish Authorities’s failure to again a proposed naval welding centre in Inchinnan. “We’d like these industries and we have to help them,” stated Sweeney, warning {that a} lack of help was sending the incorrect message to 1000’s of expert employees.