Douglas Alexander MP says today that Defence investment can be an “engine for growth” in Scotland as figures show the Labour government’s defence investment in Scotland hit £2.1 billion in the last year.
It comes as the Labour Government publishes a new ‘UK Defence Footprint’ publication, showing the government’s defence investment with UK industry increased by 6% above inflation in Labour’s first year in government, supporting 11,800 jobs in Scotland.
The Labour Government has announced the largest increase in defence investment since the end of the Cold War, making Britain safer in a more insecure world. Labour is delivering a ‘defence dividend’ from this record investment – felt in good jobs and thriving businesses across the UK’s nations and regions.
Today’s new publication confirms that the government invested £390 per person in Scotland in defence last year. This included £23 million with Small and Medium Sized businesses.
Douglas Alexander MP said:
“I am incredibly pleased to see yet more confirmation that this Government’s focus on defence is bringing benefits to people all across Scotland.
Scotland is a globally recognised centre of defence excellence and when we back our service personnel and Scottish industry, we keep ourselves and our allies secure whilst delivering skilled jobs and growth for communities and workers across the nation.
This ecosystem of research excellence positions Scotland perfectly to benefit even further from our funding uplift. The defence dividend that will boost the economy for years to come while helping ensure Britain’s security and deterring our adversaries.
More investment. More contracts for companies. More skilled jobs. More growth. More money in working people’s pockets.”
Labour’s Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP, said:
“Our Labour government’s record uplift in defence investment will ensure our forces have the kit they need to fight, ensuring we are secure at home and strong abroad.
By making defence an engine for growth across the country and supporting the Government’s Plan for Change, our defence dividend is being felt in jobs, communities and businesses throughout the Scotland.
The Scotland’s shipbuilding excellence puts it at the heart of Britain’s defences, creating thousands of skilled careers that underpin our national security.”