Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Future Defence Policy and the Armed Forces

Wednesday 18 May 2022 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Sally-Ann Hart inquired about recent discussions on future defence policy and the role of armed forces in Scotland.
  • The Government's response highlighted the strategic importance of UK bases in Scotland and the economic benefits, including MOD expenditure and shipbuilding contracts.
  • Pete Wishart questioned measures to increase defence spending on Scottish SMEs, to which the response noted that major spending is with larger firms like British Aerospace and Babcock.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Sally-Ann Hart
Defence Scotland
Context

No specific incident or statistic mentioned, but the context is about ongoing discussions on defence policies affecting Scotland.

Question

What recent discussions have there been with Cabinet colleagues on future defence policy and the role of the armed forces in Scotland?

Answer from Alister Jack

I have regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues and the Ministry of Defence. The integrated review sets out the Government's ambitions for defence and foreign policy over the next decade. British armed forces personnel in Scotland play a crucial role in defending the whole of the United Kingdom and our allies, and will continue to do so.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific details on recent discussions or commitments regarding future defence policy for Scotland

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Q2 Sally-Ann Hart
Defence Economy Scotland
Context

No specific incident or statistic mentioned, but the context is about the benefits Scotland gains from being part of the United Kingdom's defence.

Question

For centuries, Scotland and the rest of the UK have had a united defence stance. What assessment has been made of the direct and indirect impacts that Scotland benefits from as a result of being part of the UK?

Answer from Alister Jack

The benefits are enormous. The UK strategic bases in Scotland serve to make the whole of the United Kingdom safer. MOD expenditure with industry and commerce totalled almost £2 billion last year, and defence investment in Scottish shipbuilding will see order books full until the 2030s. A recent contract worth £30 million was awarded to maintain Royal Navy's two aircraft carriers, securing 300 jobs for a decade.

Answered
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Q3 Pete Wishart SNP Perth and Kinross-shire
Defence Scotland
Context

The Scottish Affairs Committee found that only 2.5% of total military spending is spent on Scottish small and medium-sized enterprises.

Question

What measures are being taken to ensure that the current low percentage of defence spending on Scottish SMEs is rectified?

Answer from Alister Jack

The bulk of the spending—literally billions of pounds—is with British Aerospace and Babcock. The hon. Gentleman mentions SMEs, but the majority of spending is not allocated to them.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific measures or policies to address the issue with Scottish SMEs

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Q4 Andrew Bowie Con West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
Scotland
Context

The Secretary of State mentioned the awarding of a contract to Rosyth dockyard for ship maintenance, securing 300 jobs.

Question

Does he agree that it is good at least one of Scotland's Governments can actually build ships that float?

Answer from Alister Jack

I think my hon. Friend refers to ferries, and he is absolutely right. I think the ferries float. They just cannot seem to finish them or make them work, or find anything that gets close to resembling a ferry.

Not addressed: Changed subject from shipbuilding quality and practicality to ferry issues without addressing the original question about shipbuilding in Scotland.

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Q5 Martin Docherty SNP
Defence Scotland
Context

During the 2014 independence referendum, a promise was made to base 12,500 armed forces personnel in Scotland. The current figure is more than 25% below that.

Question

With the downward pressure on the armed forces across the board, when will his Government admit that they will never meet the target of 12,500 armed forces personnel based in Scotland?

Answer from Alister Jack

Recruitment remains healthy for young Scots, both as regulars and reservists. I am sure the new recruits in Scotland are absolutely buoyed by the First Minister's new love of the nuclear alliance that is NATO.

Not addressed: Shifted focus to recruitment health and the First Minister's stance on NATO, without addressing the specific ask about meeting the target.

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