Faslane naval base investment proves 'unshakeable commitment' to UK's nuclear deterrent
A multi-million pound upgrade to Faslane naval base will prove the country's "unshakeable commitment" to its nuclear deterrent, the UK Government has said.
Ian Murray, the Scottish Secretary, will join defence minister Maria Eagle today for a visit to HMNB Clyde where they will meet Royal Navy top brass to discuss how a £250m investment will improve the site's infrastructure and create jobs.
It comes after Keir Starmer last month announced the UK will build up to 12 new attack submarines as part of a wider increase in defence spending.
Faslane has been home to the UK's fleet of nuclear submarines for more than 50 years and the base is a major employer across West Dunbartonshire and neighbouring Argyll & Bute.
But the base remains a major bone of contention between the Scottish and UK Governments as the SNP is resolutely opposed to nuclear weapons being kept on the Clyde. Nationalists have repeatedly said the nukes would be removed if the country ever voted for independence in the future.Labour has sought to change the narrative on defence spending in Scotland by highlighting the employment it creates as well as its necessity in an increasingly dangerous world.
Approximately 26,100 skilled jobs - including shipbuilding - across Scotland are already supported by the Ministry of Defence's annual multi-billion pound spend and the UK Government's Brand Scotland campaign is working to build on that success and help the sector export its world-class technology internationally.
Eagle, the defence procurement minister, said: '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 three 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."
Murray, the Scottish Secretary, said: "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.
"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."
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