Labour MP Graeme Downie has accused the SNP of neglecting Scotland’s defence sector for ideological reasons, arguing that the approach has cost jobs and opportunities, particularly for younger people.
His intervention follows the publication of a new Scottish Affairs Committee report, “Securing Scotland’s Future: Defence Skills and Jobs”, which examines how Scotland can benefit from rising UK defence spending and how shortages in skills, recruitment and supply-chain capacity can be addressed. The report was published on 15 September.
Downie said:
“The SNP have spent decades ignoring the Scottish defence sector for ideological reasons.
“That has cost jobs and opportunities, particularly for young people in Scotland.”
He praised the Committee and its chair, Patricia Ferguson MP, for producing what he called a “really valuable report”.
Report focuses on jobs, skills and investment
The Scottish Affairs Committee launched its inquiry to examine how Scotland can maximise the economic benefits of increased defence spending, including through highly skilled employment, local supply chains and greater engagement with Scottish SMEs.
The Committee has heard evidence from defence companies, ministers and industry figures about shortages in skilled workers and the need to make defence careers more attractive to young people.
The inquiry also looked at how Scotland can support the UK’s wider Defence Industrial Strategy and ensure investment creates long-term economic benefits in communities across the country.
Concerns over Scottish Government approach
During the Committee’s evidence sessions, MPs heard claims that some Scottish Government policies had contributed to negative perceptions of the defence industry.
Committee chair Patricia Ferguson raised evidence that one defence company had spent around £1 million on physical security following attacks, while asking ministers about the effect of past and present Scottish Government policies on the sector.
Defence Industry Minister Luke Pollard acknowledged that the Scottish and UK governments had taken different approaches in areas including defence policy and language surrounding the sector.
Downie argues that those differences have practical consequences when Scotland is competing for investment, skilled workers and new defence contracts.
Defence investment as an economic opportunity
The Committee’s report comes as the UK Government increases defence spending, creating what MPs believe could be a major economic opportunity for Scotland.
Scotland already has significant defence capabilities in shipbuilding, aerospace, engineering, technology and specialist manufacturing.
The inquiry examined how those strengths can be used to create more apprenticeships and highly skilled jobs, while ensuring smaller Scottish firms are able to participate in defence supply chains.
Evidence to the Committee also stressed that increasing defence production can serve both national security and economic growth, with investment in technology and supply chains capable of generating wider benefits for regional economies.
Downie puts young people at centre of argument
For Downie, the issue is particularly important for the next generation.
He argues that Scotland should be actively encouraging young people into engineering, advanced manufacturing, cyber, shipbuilding and other skilled defence careers rather than allowing political opposition to the sector to limit opportunities.
That fits with Labour’s wider argument that increased defence spending should deliver not only stronger national security but good jobs, apprenticeships and industrial renewal.
Labour challenges SNP record
The report is likely to fuel a broader political debate over the Scottish Government’s relationship with the defence sector.
Labour argues that Scotland should take full advantage of growing UK defence investment and that ideological opposition to parts of the industry risks pushing jobs and investment elsewhere.
Downie’s message is that defence should be seen not only as a national security necessity but as a major economic opportunity for Scotland — one capable of creating skilled jobs, supporting young people and strengthening Scottish industry for decades to come.
