Latest news with #GregorPoynton
Scotsman
19 hours ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Gregor Poynton MP welcomes news that Scottish Military homes are to be upgraded
Military personnel across Scotland are set to benefit from record additional funding to improve family accommodation for the Armed Forces. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The investment will mean that personnel in Scotland will see more urgent repairs and maintenance, from fixing unreliable boilers and leaky roofs to tackling damp and mould in service family accommodation, alongside development of new housing. The extra investment means over £7 billion will be spent UK-wide on military accommodation in this Parliament, including £400m investment in Scotland to improve conditions for personnel living in Single Living Accommodation. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The upcoming Strategic Defence Review will confirm an additional £1.5 billion in funding for military family accommodation nationwide, helping to renew the nation's contract with those who serve, and supporting the UK Labour government's Plan for Change. There are over 3,000 military homes in Scotland, helping to house some of the 11,000 Scotland-based personnel, which will now be considered for this funding. Labour has announced a £400 million boost to improve military housing in Scotland. The £7 billion will be spent across this Parliament on service family accommodation and single living accommodation, to deliver a generational renewal of Armed Forces accommodation. This will be guided by the forthcoming Defence Housing Strategy – which is proceeding at pace and has already seen the announcement of a new Consumer Charter to strengthen housing standards for forces families. The Strategic Defence Review will set a path for the next decade to transform defence and make the UK secure at home and strong abroad. It will end the hollowing out of our Armed Forces and make defence an engine for growth across the UK. Commenting, Gregor Poynton MP for the Livingston constituency said: "This constituency has a proud connection to our armed forces, from being home to hundreds of serving personnel, veterans and their families through to the award-winning Military Museum of Scotland in Wilkieston. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'But supporting our armed forces means more than just thanking our troops and remembering the past, it's about investing in their future. Scotland's 3,000 military homes will benefit from a £400 million upgrade, part of a £7 billion UK-wide plan to make homes fit for heroes. Gregor Poynton MP with Defence Secretary, John Healy MP in the Livingston constituency. 'Defence can be a true engine for growth and Livingston is ready to play its part. I'll keep pushing for investment here and I'm urging the SNP Scottish Government to drop their opposition to defence investment and get behind this vital spend.' Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said: 'Our Armed Forces personnel make extraordinary sacrifices to serve our country. 'For too long, many military families have lived in sub-standard homes, but this government is taking decisive action to fix the dire state of military accommodation and ensure that our heroes and their loved ones live in the homes they deserve. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Our government is determined to end the hollowing out of our Armed Forces. We are investing and acting fast, to fix forces housing and renew the nation's contract with those who serve. "The delivery of the Government's new Consumer Charter will see immediate investment in urgent renovation of 1,000 homes in most need of repair. The Charter will also see basic consumer rights rapidly introduced for forces families, including essential property information and higher move-in standards, more reliable repairs, a named housing officer for every family, and access to a robust complaints system – helping to deliver homes fit for our heroes. Minister for Defence People and Veterans Al Carns said: "After years of unacceptable living conditions our service personnel had to endure, we are delivering the much-needed investment into military homes in Scotland that puts our service families first. 'This new funding will ensure that those who protect our nation, and their families, can live in homes they can be proud of. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We promised better housing for our military families across the United Kingdom and we are delivering on that promise." The SDR says that the MOD should improve the overall standard of military accommodation, including prioritising sites that are in most urgent need of repair.
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Scottish Government challenged by Livingston MP over its policy of not spending to support munitions manufacture
Gregor Poynton is calling for reform of the Scottish National Investment Bank's policies Livingston MP Gregor Poynton has demanded the Scottish Government reverse its opposition to spending on the manufacture of munitions, warning Scotland risks being left behind as the UK commits billions to strengthening national security. The Labour MP has written to Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, calling for urgent reform of the Scottish National Investment Bank's restrictive policies that prevent it from backing Scotland's defence companies. The intervention follows Prime Minister Keir Starmer's announcement of new defence investments, including £15 billion for the UK's sovereign warhead programme and plans to build up to 12 new attack submarines. The letter to the Deputy First Minister follows an announcement that defence spending will rise to £79.7 billion by 2027/28, with plans to build up to 12 new submarines, create six munitions' factories, and support 30,000 defence jobs across the UK. The Scottish Government has reiterated that it is not its policy to use money from the public purse for the 'manufacture of munitions'. Gregor Poynton MP labelled the Scottish Government stance as 'student union politics at its worst' and accused the SNP of being 'more concerned with ideology than protecting Scottish jobs and supporting our allies'. He added: 'They'll condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine but refuse to let Scotland's public investment bank support the very industries helping Ukraine defend itself. 'This isn't principled, it's a dereliction of duty that will cost Scotland thousands of high-skilled jobs and billions in investment.' A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'The Scottish Government's long-standing policy position is that it does not use public money to support the manufacture of munitions. 'We recognise the importance of the aerospace, defence and shipbuilding sectors for Scotland's economy, and are committed to ensuring Scotland is the home of manufacturing and innovation. 'Ministers continue to engage with industries across the country as part of this work – including through support for defence markets to diversify into civilian markets, training support and job creation. 'We have received the letter and will respond in due course.' However, the MP for Livingston claims Scotland risks missing out on this defence dividend due to the Scottish Government's blanket opposition to backing companies involved in defence manufacturing via the Scottish National Investment Bank. Senior figures from Airbus, BAE Systems, and Babcock have told Parliament that allowing defence investment in Scotland would strengthen the industry and boost the economy. In his letter to the Deputy First Minister, Gregor Poynton asks whether she agrees with maintaining 'blanket opposition to supporting defence-related projects, even when they would deliver thousands of high-skilled jobs and critical capabilities for Scotland.' With the UK moving to 'war-fighting readiness,' he warned that Scotland's defence sector will be left behind while other parts of the UK surge ahead.
Scotsman
3 days ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Political opinion: Poynton demands SNP u-turn on defence investment as Scotland risks missing out on billions
Scottish Labour MP Gregor Poynton has demanded the SNP Government reverse its opposition to defence investment, warning that Scotland risks being left behind as the UK commits billions to strengthening national security. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... In a direct challenge to Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, Mr Poynton has called for urgent reform of the Scottish National Investment Bank's restrictive policies that prevent it from backing Scotland's defence companies. The intervention follows yesterday's announcement by Prime Minister Keir Starmer of massive new defence investments, including £15 billion for the UK's sovereign warhead programme and plans to build up to 12 new attack submarines. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Commenting, Gregor Poynton MP said: "This is student union politics at its worst. While Putin wages war in Ukraine and the UK Government prepares for the threats we face, the SNP is more concerned with ideology than protecting Scottish jobs and supporting our allies. Gregor Poynton MP speaking in the House of Commons. "Mairi Gougeon's comments lay bare the Scottish Government's warped priorities. They'll condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine but refuse to let Scotland's public investment bank support the very industries helping Ukraine defend itself. "This isn't principled, it's a dereliction of duty that will cost Scotland thousands of high-skilled jobs and billions in investment." Gregor Poynton's letter to the Deputy First Minister follows Prime Minister Keir Starmer announcing that UK defence spending will rise to £79.7 billion by 2027/28, with plans to build up to 12 new submarines, create six munitions' factories, and support 30,000 defence jobs nationwide. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad However, Scotland risks missing out on this defence dividend due to the SNP's blanket opposition to backing companies involved in defence manufacturing via the SNIB, a position industry leader have described as a "no-brainer" to reform. Senior figures from Airbus, BAE Systems, and Babcock have all told Parliament that allowing defence investment in Scotland would strengthen the industry and boost the economy. In his letter to the Deputy First Minister, Mr Poynton directly challenges the Scottish Government's stance, asking Forbes whether she agrees with maintaining "blanket opposition to supporting defence-related projects, even when they would deliver thousands of high-skilled jobs and critical capabilities for Scotland." With global threats intensifying and the UK moving to "war-fighting readiness," Mr Poynton warns that Scotland's defence sector, which already supports thousands of highly skilled jobs, will be left behind while other parts of the UK surge ahead. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
Scotsman
28-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Gregor Poynton MP receives UK Government response on Selms Muir Hydrogen Project backing
Gregor Poynton, MP for the Livingston constituency, has received a positive response from the Government following his letter backing the Selms Muir Hydrogen Project for selection in the Second Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR2) Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... In a response dated 16 May 2025, Sarah Jones MP, Minister of State for Industry at the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero, thanked Mr. Poynton for writing in support of the project and confirmed the Government's continued engagement during the next stage of the HAR2 process. The Minister outlined that HAR2 is a highly competitive round, with 87 initial applications competing for support, of which only 27 projects across England, Scotland and Wales have been shortlisted. The selection process has focused on project deliverability, portfolio diversity and value-for-money factors, with particular consideration given to cost, scale, location and supply to hard-to-abate sectors. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Commenting on the Government's response, Gregor Poynton MP said: "I'm pleased to receive this positive response from Minister Sarah Jones MP regarding the Selms Muir Hydrogen Project. While the competition is fierce with 87 applications for just 27 shortlisted projects, I'm continuing to make the case to Ministers for this tremendous local project. Gregor Poynton MP is backing UK Government investment in the Livingston constituency. "The Selms Muir project represents exactly the kind of innovative, green technology investment that West Lothian needs. With its potential to produce six tonnes of low-carbon hydrogen daily and support decarbonisation across West Lothian's transport and industry sectors, this project could bring significant jobs and investment to our constituency. "I welcome the Government's recognition of hydrogen's key role in delivering our Clean Energy Superpower mission and net zero commitments. I'll continue advocating strongly for Selms Muir throughout the process, as I believe this project demonstrates the deliverability, value for money, and strategic importance that the Government is looking for." The Selms Muir Hydrogen Project, a partnership between hydrogen developer Hygen and renewable energy leader European Energy, will deliver a 20MW electrolyser hub co-located with the Selms Muir Solar Farm. The project has the potential to power buses, construction equipment, and heavy vehicles across West Lothian, supporting the UK's ambitious goal of 10GW of low-carbon hydrogen production by 2030. The project is now undergoing the due diligence and cost assessment phase, where projects must continue to demonstrate deliverability, affordability, and value for money throughout the process.
Daily Record
28-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
'Positive response' from Minister to Livingston MP's letter of support for hydrogen project
Competition is fierce with 87 applications but just 27 shortlisted Livingston's MP received a 'positive response' from the Minister of State for Industry to a letter he sent backing the Selms Muir Hydrogen Project. The project was one of 87 applications to the UK Government for selection in the Second Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR2). From those only 27 projects across the UK are shortlisted. Gregor Poynton MP received a response from Industry Minister, Sarah Jones MP at the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero, thanking him for writing in support of the Livingston project and confirming continued engagement during the next stage of the HAR2 process. The Minister outlined that HAR2 is a highly competitive round, with 87 initial applications competing for support, of which only 27 projects across England, Scotland and Wales have been shortlisted. The selection process has focused on project deliverability, portfolio diversity and value-for-money factors, with particular consideration given to cost, scale, location and supply to hard-to-abate sectors. The Selms Muir Hydrogen Project, a partnership between hydrogen developer Hygen and renewable energy leader European Energy, will deliver a 20MW electrolyser hub co-located with the Selms Muir Solar Farm. The project has the potential to power buses, construction equipment, and heavy vehicles across West Lothian, supporting the UK's ambitious goal of 10GW of low-carbon hydrogen production by 2030. Gregor Poynton MP said: 'I'm pleased to receive this positive response from Minister Sarah Jones MP regarding the Selms Muir Hydrogen Project. While the competition is fierce with 87 applications for just 27 shortlisted projects, I'm continuing to make the case to Ministers for this tremendous local project. 'The Selms Muir project represents exactly the kind of innovative, green technology investment that West Lothian needs. With its potential to produce six tonnes of low-carbon hydrogen daily and support decarbonisation across West Lothian's transport and industry sectors, this project could bring significant jobs and investment to our constituency. 'I welcome the government's recognition of hydrogen's key role in delivering our Clean Energy Superpower mission and net zero commitments. I'll continue advocating strongly for Selms Muir throughout the process, as I believe this project demonstrates the deliverability, value for money, and strategic importance that the government is looking for.' The Selms Muir Hydrogen Project is now undergoing the due diligence and cost assessment phase, where projects must continue to demonstrate deliverability, affordability, and value for money throughout the process.
