Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Defence Spending

Wednesday 1 May 2024 · 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

  • Scotland Office Ministers have regular discussions with the Ministry of Defence on all matters relating to defence.
  • The increased investment in defence spending will support jobs across the entire United Kingdom, including Scotland.
  • The programme of improvements for military accommodation in Scotland amounts to 400 million spending.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Rob Butler
Defence Scotland
Context

The MP wants to know about recent discussions regarding defence spending levels in Scotland.

Question

What recent discussions has the Secretary of State for Defence had on the level of defence spending in Scotland?

Answer from Alister Jack

Scotland Office Ministers have regular discussions with the Ministry of Defence on all matters relating to defence. Defence spending contributes significantly to delivering thousands of high-skilled jobs and investment in Scotland. The Prime Minister announced that we will increase our defence spending to 2.5% of GDP.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific discussions about the level of defence spending in Scotland were not addressed

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Q2 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Defence Economy Employment
Context

The MP inquires about the number of jobs that will be protected or created as a result of increased defence spending.

Question

Will my right hon. Friend update the House on the number of jobs that will be protected and potentially be created in Scotland due to the decision to increase defence spending?

Answer from Alister Jack

The increased investment announced by the Prime Minister will support jobs across the whole of the United Kingdom, including Scotland. Both economic benefits and job supports are expected from this decision.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific numbers on job creation or protection were not provided

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Q3 Rob Butler
Defence Scotland
Context

The MP is seeking confirmation that the announced increase in defence spending will bring benefits across the country, including at military establishments in Scotland.

Question

Will my right hon. Friend confirm that the recent announcement on increasing defence spending will benefit the whole country, whether at RAF bases or military establishments in Scotland?

Answer from Alister Jack

The Conservatives are trusted to defend and protect the entire United Kingdom. The SNP has proposed abandoning our nuclear deterrent, which contradicts their desire for NATO membership.

Not addressed: Benefits of increased defence spending in Scotland were not addressed

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Q4 Wendy Chamberlain Lib Dem North East Fife
Defence Scotland
Context

The MP questions the Secretary of State on the assessment made regarding military accommodation standards following recent debates.

Question

What assessment has the Secretary of State made of concessions from the Government on the standards of military accommodation, particularly in Scotland?

Answer from Alister Jack

The programme of improvements started before last winter and amounts to £400 million spending. The Defence Secretary has been informed about members' disappointment with accommodation standards.

Answered
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Q5 Deidre Brock SNP
Defence Scotland
Context

The MP highlights a significant rise in serious safety incidents at Scotland's Trident nuclear sites and asks about reports to reassure the public.

Question

Has he concerns if there was a radioactive leak beyond safe levels, as reported? What reports will his Government produce to reassure those living near Trident bases?

Answer from Alister Jack

We do not comment on matters relating to Faslane. For specific questions, she should ask at Defence questions. Regarding our nuclear deterrent and facility, we do not comment on internal matters.

Not addressed: Concerns about radioactive leaks were not addressed; no commitment to produce reports was given

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